Professional Code of Conduct in Accordance with

The Child and Youth Care Association of British Columbia

RELATIONSHIP OF THE PRACTITIONER TO THE CHILD/YOUTH/FAMILY – THE TOTAL CHILD 

The child or youth is never an isolated being; he or she is always a part of a family (defined as those persons that have potential impact on that child or youth within the immediate milieu). The aim of the Child and Youth Care Practitioner and the agency or program is to adopt effective practices toward family-oriented care and involvement.

I understand and respect the UN Conventions on the Rights of the Child with respect to each child or youth.

I respect the privacy of each child/youth/family.

I respect the uniqueness of each child/youth/family.

I acknowledge that maximizing the effectiveness of all services and resources aids the child/youth/family to reach their potential.

I am aware that acknowledging and supporting the family in the total treatment program of the child/youth/family contributes to the growth of the child or youth.

I respect the unique difference in culture, religion and race of each child, youth and family.

I recognize the importance of questioning all behaviour as a meaningful attempt to have needs met, and only when it infringes upon another’s individuality do I interfere.

I acknowledge that each parent and child has a personal perspective of their environment and that my relationship with individuals in the family depends on my understanding of that perspective.

I recognize the importance of being empathic rather than sympathetic in order to maintain my objectivity.

I encourage the supplying of resources and equipment for all special disabilities and needs of the child/youth/family.

I recognize the importance of constantly reassessing the ongoing growth of the child, youth or family and applying new approaches where needed.

I have a working knowledge and understanding of all laws pertaining to children in care and child advocacy ensuring that no child’s rights are violated or denied.

I have the ability to assess my own personal strengths and weaknesses and transform these into successful professional skills and strategies.

I am willing to recognize when it is in the best interests of my clients to release or refer them to another helping professional or program.

Relationship of the Child and Youth Care Practitioner to our own profession and other professions. 

I am aware of my responsibility to maintain professional objectivity and self-discipline, to maintain competence and high standards.

I am aware of my responsibility to further my knowledge of the profession through reading, research, and further discussion.

I will respect the rights and views of my fellow Child and Youth Care Practitioners and other Professionals.

I have a continuing commitment to assess my own personal strengths, limitations, biases and resulting effectiveness.

I am aware of and sensitive to the profound social responsibility involved in my work due to the fact that I touch deeply the lives of those I serve.

I am aware of and promote the moral and legal standards of my work.

I attempt to rectify any violations of ethical, moral, or legal standards by other human service professionals of which I become aware.

I do not use my professional position or relationship for purposes that violate the ethical principles of my profession.