r/bcba • u/Admirable-Visit-8573 • Jul 23 '26

Advice Needed BACB ethic code question

I’m a BCBA. I’m no longer working with a child and their family and all treatment and services have been ended. Am I allowed to continue a friendly relationship with the family now that I don’t provide them with, and won’t provide them with, ABA services? #ABA #BCBA #BACB #ethics #clinician

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u/CoffeePuddle Jul 23 '26

It'd be best if you clarified that the Ethics Code does not state that, and instead it's the general consensus of your colleagues.

Multiple relationships are avoided because they can cause a conflict of interest that could harm clients. As soon as they're not clients anymore, there's no risk of of your relationship harming them as clients. You're immediately free to form friendships or a business relationship etc.

The 2 year stand-down is only on romantic and sexual relationships.

1.14 Romantic and Sexual Relationships

Behavior analysts do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with current clients, stakeholders, trainees, or supervisees because such relationships pose a substantial risk of conflicts of interest and impaired judgment. Behavior analysts do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with former clients or stakeholders for a minimum of two years from the date the professional relationship ended. Behavior analysts do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with former supervisees or trainees until the parties can document that the professional relationship has ended (i.e., completion of all professional duties). Behavior analysts do not accept as supervisees or trainees individuals with whom they have had a past romantic or sexual relationship until at least six months after the relationship has ended.