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Ethics: Gryphon Place

Gryphon Place Code of Ethics is intended to provide guidance to both the employees of the Gryphon Place as well as the members of its Board of Directors. It details both ethical and legal obligations that assists in making sound decisions in daily activities in agreement with other policies and practices for Gryphon Place. The principles outlined are very important, and all of us must act, and must also be seen acting accordingly by faculty members in accordance with these principles.

The Code of Ethics does not cover every situation that we will encounter. If in doubt about what to do in a particular situation, one should seek assistance before continuing by discussing the matter with the manager or contacting the appropriate resource person for support. In some cases, issues may be referred to legal counsel, external auditors or the Board of Directors.

Gryphon Place has an active governing body that is responsible for strategic decision making, and overseeing the finances and operations of the policies of the organization. The following is a list of operations that the governing body oversees:

  • Ensures that all directors understand and fulfill their governance duties acting for the benefit of the organization and its public purpose;

  • Ensures that the organization conducts all transactions and dealings with integrity and honesty;

  • Ensures that all directors have the requisite skills and experience to carry out their duties;

  • Provides credible and effective oversight to the organization’s work;

  • Complies with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and fiduciary responsibilities;

  • Has a conflict of interest policy to ensure that any conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof are avoided or appropriately managed through disclosure, recusal or other means;

  • Respects the confidentiality of sensitive information about our donors, constituents, and employees;

  • Ensures that the organization promotes working relationships among Directors, employees, volunteers, and program beneficiaries that are based on mutual respect, fairness and openness;

  • Ensures that the organization is fair and inclusive in its hiring and promotion policies for all employees and volunteer positions;

  • Ensures that important organization policies are in writing, clearly articulated and officially adopted;

  • Ensures that the organization’s resources are responsibly and prudently managed; and

  • Ensures that the organization has the capacity to carry out its programs effectively.

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One situation that addresses these guidelines listed occurred during a call that I had at Gryphon Place. The father called to get help for his son. The father mentioned to the worker that he is having problems with his son. The father stated to the worker that previously him and his son had gotten into any argument over his son lying about turning in his homework. The father said during this argument, his son mentioned that he wanted to go live with his mother because the father is going to die anyway due to his cancer. The father mentioned to the worker that when his son said this, he ended up grabbing his son forcefully and the argument continued.

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The father mentioned to the worker that he had not talked to his son in a month and a half, however the son is still in contact with his grandmother (the father’s mother). The grandmother relayed to him that his son had mentioned to her that he is involved in the 51-day suicidal game called "The Blue Dolphin Pack."  The son also mentioned to the grandmother that he is having problems with the stepfather over abuse.  The son and stepfather got into an altercation, resulting in possible charges of assault placed on the son. The father frustratingly stated that he does not know what to do and wanted to get in contact with his son's counselor.

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The worker suggested to the father that the best option for him would be to call his local law enforcement and file a complaint and a welfare check. The worker did mention that because they are a mandated reporter, they must report the incident. The father began to get frustrated and started yelling at the worker that "he was afraid that this might happen and that the worker does not know what it is that he is going through." He mentioned to the worker that he would like for the worker to not file the report until he gets in contact with his son's counselor. The worker stated that they sympathized with the father, however they are legally mandated to report it. The father began screaming at the worker stating, "he knew this was a bad idea and that he would never call again." The worker stated to the father that they are sorry to hear that and hope he understands and has a good day.

Applying Ethics

For this example, the ethical principles that were applied based off Gryphon Place and NCFR Guidelines, would be relationships with parents and families. As a mandated reporter, I was obligated to report the suspected abuse because as explained to the father, ultimately, we both are looking out for the child. I respected his opinion on not calling because of fear that something may happen to the child, however morally as well as ethically, I could apply his request. Ultimately, it came down to what most CFLE’s struggle with everyday which is what is morally right may not be ethical and what is ethical may not be morally right. Morally, I wanted the father to do more investigation and I felt bad that I had to mandate the report; ethically, I knew deep down that what I was doing was better for both parties.

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