ABSTRACT
When addressing problems that might arise in the supervisory system (Chapter 11), it is also important to view these issues in the context of supervisory responsibilities. As supervisors we are responsible for the maintenance of the training system. We also have an implicit contract with the community (Lee, 1994). Most communities give family therapists a protected title, a scope of practice, the right to privileged communication and, in some states, the power to certify individuals as mentally ill. In return, the community must insist on certain assurances. These include teaching family therapists their obligations under the law, ethical codes, and standards of professional practice, and holding them accountable to these. The community expects that supervisors will be fully aware of the professional conduct of therapists under our supervision, and it holds us accountable for the treatment they provide. The community trusts that our therapists will only treat cases appropriate to their individual professional development augmented by our supervisory support. As a supervisor, you will become the professional who is expected and required to monitor and enforce these standards.
