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Hi -- What do you all think?

Posted January 2nd, 2003 by Alicat880

I have a friend right now that currently works as a Para-Professional at one of the schools in my area. She also works with people with disabilities ( so do i ... we work for the same agency). My friend has worked with one of her clients through the agency we work for for about 2 years and this fall she began being this person's Para Pro at school (as well as maintaining hours with the client through the agency we both work for)...... Apparently she goes to the client's house, gets her up & ready for school (hours through the direct care agency..) and then takes the client to school (hours thru the school system) and then drops the client off at home after school and then a couple nights a week she works with the client one-on-one (thru the agency). I guess awhile ago she was called in by one of her supervisors at the school and was talked to about not sitting with the client during the lunch hour... giving the client some space, etc etc. This meeting got my friend all mad because according to her, she and the client are friends, she loves the client, etc (the client is also going to be her personal attendant in her wedding this summer). I find all of this disturbing and I'm glad the school is onto it because in my opinion, my friend is very overinvolved in the client's life and maybe she should not be working with the client through both places ( maybe just one place or not at all since she is in way too deep). Unfortunatley, I haven't said anything to her because I don't want to upset her...... I know she would get very defensive... What does everyone else think regarding this? Ali

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being professional

On October 28th, 2003 heartofgold says:

I think you are right that your friend is getting too involved with her client. Staying professional is something to keep in mind. When you spend so much time with a client, it's easy to forget about that and to begin crossing boundaries. You might even start to feel like best friends or one of the family. This is something that is brought up from time to time and discussed at my agency and something that I remember covering in my college courses on being a paraeducator. I even have a paper that lists all different guidelines and things to avoid doing to maintain that professionalism if you would be interested.

Here it is almost 4 years

On September 3rd, 2007 wz (not verified) says:

Here it is almost 4 years after your original post. I'm reading old posts and found yours. IF you are still willing to share the into on 'crossing the line' I very much am interested in having a copy. Thanks for the offer. Hope all is well in these last 4 years.