Clinicians' lived experience of ethics: Values and challenges in helping children

This study is based on the need to create frameworks of applied ethics that are based on the lived experience of workers. This collaborative research, which took place at a child guidance center, consists of consultations wit h an advisory committee, interviews with 14 front-line workers and 3 admini strators, and a workshop for the entire staff of 180 members of the center. The research explores clinicians' ethical values, challenges, and recommen dations for resolving ethical dilemmas. Clinicians report as important seve ral values, including (a) respect for people's rights, dignity, integrity, and privacy; (b) compassion and responsible caring; (c) voice and choice; ( d) advocating for the most vulnerable client; (e) empowering and holistic a pproaches based on strengths; and (f) pursuing the child's best interests. Clinicians face several challenges in their efforts to actualize their valu es: (a) working in interlocking systems, (b) meeting workers' needs, (c) de aling with pressure to acquiesce, (d) dealing with pressure to label, (e) f acing the perils of professionalism, (f) facing gender and racial discrimin ation, and (g) finding time for proper reflection. The findings point to th e potential positive or negative outcomes of each challenge. The implicatio ns of the study for applied ethics theory, research, and action in the help ing professions are discussed.