CPSS Ethics & Cultural Competency 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A peer specialist learns that a peer they support has recently been arrested. Ethically, the specialist should:
- Discontinue services because the peer violated the law
- Maintain non-judgmental support while understanding legal boundaries on communication (Correct answer)
- Share the information with other peers as a cautionary example
- Immediately notify the peer's family without asking the peer
Correct answer: Maintain non-judgmental support while understanding legal boundaries on communication
Non-judgment and confidentiality apply even when peers face legal challenges; support continues within ethical and legal limits.
Question 2: Health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minorities in North Carolina's behavioral health system are primarily addressed through:
- Treating all people exactly the same regardless of background
- Culturally responsive care that recognizes systemic inequities and adapts services (Correct answer)
- Referring all minority clients to specialists of the same background
- Avoiding data collection on race to prevent discrimination
Correct answer: Culturally responsive care that recognizes systemic inequities and adapts services
Culturally responsive care acknowledges systemic inequities and adapts approaches to meet the unique needs of diverse populations.
Question 3: A peer specialist is uncertain whether a specific action violates ethical standards. The best course of action is to:
- Proceed since uncertainty means no rule is being broken
- Consult a supervisor, ethics guidelines, or a trusted colleague before acting (Correct answer)
- Ask the peer what they think the specialist should do
- Avoid the situation entirely by referring the peer elsewhere
Correct answer: Consult a supervisor, ethics guidelines, or a trusted colleague before acting
When ethical uncertainty arises, consulting supervisors or reviewing guidelines ensures decisions align with professional standards.
Question 4: Which ethical value does a peer specialist demonstrate by acknowledging the limits of their role and referring a peer to a licensed clinician?
- Dependency avoidance
- Scope of practice adherence (Correct answer)
- Boundary violation
- Abandonment
Correct answer: Scope of practice adherence
Recognizing role limits and making appropriate referrals reflects ethical adherence to scope of practice in peer support.
Question 5: LGBTQ+ peers may face unique barriers to mental health services because:
- They typically have stronger social support networks than other groups
- Stigma, discrimination, and lack of affirming providers reduce access and engagement (Correct answer)
- Mental health issues are less common in LGBTQ+ populations
- Insurance companies generally provide better coverage for LGBTQ+ services
Correct answer: Stigma, discrimination, and lack of affirming providers reduce access and engagement
LGBTQ+ individuals face significant stigma, discrimination, and scarcity of affirming providers that create barriers to mental health services.
Question 6: The ethical concept of 'fidelity' in peer support means:
- Providing the same service delivery regardless of peer needs
- Being loyal to the recovery mission and honest with peers (Correct answer)
- Maintaining strict documentation protocols at all times
- Following supervisor instructions without question
Correct answer: Being loyal to the recovery mission and honest with peers
Fidelity in peer support ethics means being trustworthy, honest, and committed to supporting the peer's recovery journey.
Question 7: When a peer discloses experiencing discrimination from another staff member, the peer specialist's ethical responsibility includes:
- Telling the peer to document it themselves and submit a complaint
- Validating the peer's experience and supporting them in accessing grievance processes (Correct answer)
- Dismissing the concern to avoid organizational conflict
- Confronting the accused staff member publicly on the peer's behalf
Correct answer: Validating the peer's experience and supporting them in accessing grievance processes
Peer specialists advocate for peers by validating their experiences and helping them navigate formal channels to address discrimination.
CPSS Ethics & Cultural Competency 4
A peer specialist learns that a peer they support has recently been arrested.
Ethically, the specialist should: