Code of Ethics

Mississippi Ethical Standards of Certified Addiction Professionals for Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJA & CCJP)

This Code of Ethics applies to professionals credentialed as Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professionals (CCJP) and Certified Criminal Justice Associates (CCJA). It governs their conduct during the performance of their duties.

Principle 1: Non-Discrimination
 

Professionals shall not discriminate against clients or colleagues based on race, religion, age, gender, disability, national ancestry, sexual orientation, or economic condition.

  • Avoid bringing personal or professional biases into client relationships. Through awareness of stereotyping and discrimination, safeguard clients’ individual rights and dignity.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of disabling conditions, empathy, and emotional comfort when working with clients with disabilities. Provide physical, sensory, and cognitive accommodations to ensure equitable access to services.

Principle 2: Responsibility
 

Professionals shall espouse objectivity and integrity while maintaining the highest professional standards.

  • Respect institutional policies and management functions but strive to improve them when doing so better serves clients’ interests.
  • Support the development of others by sharing knowledge and skills related to addressing alcoholism and drug abuse.
  • Supervisors shall facilitate the professional growth of supervisees through accurate evaluations, current information, and constructive consultation.
  • Report unethical conduct or unprofessional practices to the appropriate authority.

Principle 3: Competency
 

Professionals shall uphold national standards of competency and recognize the importance of ongoing education to maintain professional excellence.

  • Operate within the boundaries of their competencies and refrain from offering services or using techniques beyond their expertise.
  • Acknowledge the impact of impairment on professional performance and seek appropriate treatment for themselves or colleagues when needed.
  • Support and participate in peer assistance programs.

Principle 4: Legal and Moral Standards
 

Professionals shall uphold legal and ethical codes governing their practice.

  • Be fully knowledgeable of and comply with federal and Mississippi laws relevant to their professional responsibilities.
  • Avoid misrepresenting professional qualifications or affiliations.
  • Ensure that all services, materials, and demonstrations meet the ethical standards outlined in this code.

Principle 5: Public Statements
 

Professionals shall provide honest and accurate public statements concerning alcoholism and drug abuse.

  • State only empirically validated information as fact and clearly distinguish opinions, speculations, and conjecture.
  • Accurately report sources and methods used to substantiate claims about the nature, history, and treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse.

Principle 6: Publication Credit
 

CCJPs shall assign appropriate credit for contributions to published material.

  • Recognize joint authorship and significant contributions to projects, with the principal contributor listed first.
  • Acknowledge minor contributions, clerical assistance, and other supporting efforts.
  • Avoid copyright infringement by adhering to copyright laws.

Principle 7: Client Welfare
 

Professionals shall prioritize public health, safety, and the client’s best interests in all decisions and actions.

  • Disclose their code of ethics, professional loyalties, and responsibilities to clients.
  • Terminate the professional relationship if it is clear that the client is not benefiting from services.
  • Avoid involving clients in demonstrations, research, or non-treatment activities without informed consent.
  • Provide services in a private, safe, and professional environment at all times.

Principle 8: Confidentiality
 

Professionals shall prioritize the protection of client confidentiality as a primary obligation.

  • Adhere to all federal and Mississippi laws regarding confidentiality and mandatory reporting obligations.
  • Inform clients in writing about confidentiality rights and limitations, including situations where disclosure may be required.
  • Maintain and securely dispose of confidential records, ensuring data is accessible only to authorized personnel.
  • Use clinical material in teaching or writing only when identifying information has been removed.

Principle 9: Client Relationships
 

Professionals are responsible for safeguarding the integrity of the counseling relationship and ensuring effective treatment access for clients.

  • Avoid dual relationships that could compromise professional judgment or client welfare.
  • Refrain from exploiting relationships with current or former clients for personal or financial gain.
  • Do not engage in sexual behavior with current or former clients or accept as clients individuals with whom they have had sexual relationships.

Principle 10: Inter-professional Relationships
 

Professionals shall treat colleagues and other professionals with respect, courtesy, and fairness.

  • Avoid offering services to a client already in a professional relationship with another provider unless agreed upon or after the termination of the previous relationship.
  • Cooperate with the Mississippi Ethics Committee, providing necessary information unless constrained by confidentiality.
  • Refrain from exploiting relationships with supervisees, employees, students, or research participants.

Principle 11: Remuneration
 

Professionals shall establish financial arrangements that prioritize the client’s best interests while maintaining ethical standards.

  • Clearly communicate financial policies to clients and consider their financial ability when setting fees.
  • Avoid fee splitting, commissions, or rebates for referrals.
  • Refrain from using the professional relationship for personal gain or profit.
  • Do not accept private fees from clients entitled to services elsewhere.

Principle 12: Societal Obligations
 

Professionals shall actively engage in public and legislative efforts to improve services and opportunities for individuals affected by alcoholism and drug abuse.

  • Advocate for public health, safety, and well-being, regardless of ethnic or social background.