I am seeking some advice and guidance on the matter of providing services, primarily written psychological reports, in multiple languages. I am employed as a School Psychologist with the CSAP, which is the only exclusively French-speaking Regional Centre of Education in NS. Although testing takes place in English and French, psychological reports are required to be written in French. A large portion of the families whom I serve within the CSAP cannot speak or read the language nor do many outside professionals; this has led to families misunderstanding their child’s diagnosis, children not being referred by medical professionals as well as post-secondary institutions providing improper accommodations. As part of my practice, I review all assessment results orally with families who are not fluent French speakers. Additionally, upon request, I have been providing parents with English summaries of their children’s assessment report. However, I have recently been prohibited from continuing to do this and feel as though it may be an ethical violation to not provide written reports in the client’s language of choice when the psychologist is competent to do so.

The Canadian Code of Ethics in Psychology states that :I.24 Relay the information given in obtaining informed consent in language that the individuals and groups involved understand (including providing translation into another language, if necessary), and take whatever reasonable steps are needed to ensure that the information is, in fact, understood.

II.32 Be acutely aware of the need for discretion in the recording and communication of information, in order that the information not be misinterpreted or misused to the detriment of others. This includes, but is not limited to: not recording or communicating information that could lead to misinterpretation or misuse by those having access to or receiving the information; avoiding conjecture; clearly labelling opinion; and communicating information in language that can be understood clearly by the recipient of the information.

I am seeking some advice and guidance on the matter of providing services, primarily written psychological reports, in multiple languages. I am employed as a School Psychologist with the CSAP, which is the only exclusively French-speaking Regional Centre of Education in NS. Although testing takes place in English and French, psychological reports are required to be written in French. A large portion of the families whom I serve within the CSAP cannot speak or read the language nor do many outside professionals; this has led to families misunderstanding their child’s diagnosis, children not being referred by medical professionals as well as post-secondary institutions providing improper accommodations. As part of my practice, I review all assessment results orally with families who are not fluent French speakers. Additionally, upon request, I have been providing parents with English summaries of their children’s assessment report. However, I have recently been prohibited from continuing to do this and feel as though it may be an ethical violation to not provide written reports in the client’s language of choice when the psychologist is competent to do so.

The Canadian Code of Ethics in Psychology states that :I.24 Relay the information given in obtaining informed consent in language that the individuals and groups involved understand (including providing translation into another language, if necessary), and take whatever reasonable steps are needed to ensure that the information is, in fact, understood.

II.32 Be acutely aware of the need for discretion in the recording and communication of information, in order that the information not be misinterpreted or misused to the detriment of others. This includes, but is not limited to: not recording or communicating information that could lead to misinterpretation or misuse by those having access to or receiving the information; avoiding conjecture; clearly labelling opinion; and communicating information in language that can be understood clearly by the recipient of the information.