Background to the code of ethics
The Code of Ethics for Youth Work was originally developed by Dr Howard Sercombe in conjunction with the youth sector in Western Australia.
The ACT youth sector has adopted this code, and YAPA endorsed the code in 2004. We are working towards it being adopted as a national code of ethics for youth work.
See also:
Code of Ethics
Prologue
Youth workers exist because of young people’s exclusion from full membership of the common wealth, in the struggle by young people for survival and recognition on the one hand and the struggle by society for order and control on the other. The core of youth work practice lies in the relationship with the young person as the primary client, expressed through a commitment to advocacy and healing in their work with the young person and the wider society. The following principles are informed by this core position.
1 Primary client
The primary client of the youth worker is the young person with whom they engage. Where conflict exists between obligations to one young person and another, it is resolved in ways that avoid harm and continue to support the person least advantaged by the resolution.
2 Ecology
Youth workers recognise the impact of ecological and structural forces on young people. Their work is not limited to facilitating change within the individual young person, but extends to the social context in which the young person lives.
3 Non-discrimination
Youth workers' practice will be equitable.
4 Empowerment
The youth worker seeks to enhance the power of the young person by making power relations open and clear; by holding power-holders accountable; by facilitating their disengagement from the youth work relationship; and by supporting the young person in the pursuit of their legitimate claims. Youth workers presume that young people are competent in assessing and acting on their interests.
5 Non-corruption
Youth workers and youth agencies will not advance themselves at the expense of young people.
6 Transparency
The contract established with the young person, and the resulting relationship, will be open and truthful. The interests of other stakeholders will not be hidden from them.
7 Confidentiality
Information provided by young people will not be used against them, nor will it be shared with others who may use it against them. Young people should be made aware of the contextual limits to confidentiality, and their permission sought for disclosure. Until this happens, the presumption of confidentiality must apply.
8 Cooperation
Youth workers will recognise the limits of their role. Youth workers, in consultation with young people, seek to cooperate with others in order to secure the best possible outcomes for young people.
9 Knowledge
Youth workers have a responsibility to keep up to date with the information, resources, knowledge and practices needed to meet their obligations to young people.
10 Self-awareness
Youth workers are conscious of their own values and interests, and approach difference in those with whom they work with respect.
11 Boundaries
The youth work relationship is a professional relationship, intentionally limited to protect the young person. Youth workers will maintain the integrity of these limits, especially with respect to sexuality. Youth workers will not sexualise their clients.
12 Self-care
Ethical youth work practice is consistent with preserving the health of youth workers.
