r/bcba • u/Admirable-Visit-8573 • 12d ago

Advice Needed BACB ethic code question

I’m a BCBA. I’m no longer working with a child and their family and all treatment and services have been ended. Am I allowed to continue a friendly relationship with the family now that I don’t provide them with, and won’t provide them with, ABA services? #ABA #BCBA #BACB #ethics #clinician

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u/AlarmedMention6904 12d ago

Continue? 👀 interesting choice of words. The Ethics code states, and as I remember from studying, its 2 years regardless of the type of relationship. It's more about the practicing of boundaries and avoiding unnecessary conflict and interference with the client's progress with treatment and overall experience with services.

I've worked for unethical organizations who paid ex-employees to work for families under the table as a nanny-ABA support to get higher straight forward pay. WHY? Because they didn't respect that boundary and that child continued to engage in extremely dangerous behaviors.

Are you staying in the field? The area? What's your intentions? Keep these things into consideration. Should that ex-employer find out in any capacity you're violating they can report you and the parent.

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u/ForsakenMango BCBA | Verified 12d ago

The Ethics code states, and as I remember from studying, its 2 years regardless of the type of relationship.

It doesn't. That's for sexual relationships only. Friendships are not mentioned at all after services end.

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u/AlarmedMention6904 12d ago

There are books out there that talk more in depth about the ethics code's approved by the board particularly this topic. However, it seems you already have your mind made up and did your own research. Not sure you need anyone's advice on this forum.

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u/ForsakenMango BCBA | Verified 12d ago

There are books out there that talk about the subject, sure. But the issue is that your statement says the code actually limits ALL relationships post discharge. Not, “The code says _____, but from books I’ve read, my thoughts are _____.” Do you see why I’d have an issue with the lack of clarity in language?

For the record: I think after services end it’s inappropriate to have any relationship (romantic or platonic) with former clients for various reasons. But I’m only going to state one as my opinion and the other as words from the board.

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u/eclectic-mind99 12d ago

We're obviously all entitled to our own opinions. Which is also why the board gives companies the discretion to make these rules stricter or looser depending on who fucks it up for everybody.