This chapter is organized around four key ethical concepts that pose special problems in community work and are even more difficult to negotiate when a community is in crisis.
Emergencies demand rapid response from human service professionals.
The pressure to act may undercut important ethical values. The four concepts discussed in the chapter are informed consent, risk-benefit analysis, competence, and divided loyalties. With regard to informed consent, professional Codes of Ethics do not deal with community interventions, and are generally silent about consultation activities. It is unclear from whom the psychologist ought to obtain informed consent when working in a community format. The problem with settling for consent from presumed leaders or representatives is discussed.