Dear Youth Workers and Management
RE: Twelve Month Trial Implementation of a Youth Work Code of Ethics & Decision Making Framework
In response to sector feedback from the consultations and workshops held at the Regional Youth Development Officers Network (RYDON) Annual Conference in 2004 and 2005 the Hunter/Mid-North Coast/Central Coast Youth Worker's Code of Ethics and Decision Making Framework (COE/DMF) has been developed. The group developing the code has consisted of workers and others who have an interest in this area of youth work practice.
From a youth worker perspective, it is vital to have access to a COE. This provides a resource that supports the professional relationship workers have with young people. Access to such a resource is particularly vital where complex situations and issues presented by young people may not be covered or supported by organisational policies and procedures.
In terms of the sector's work with other agencies a COE aims to provide guidelines and clarity with regard to authority, roles and responsibilities within that partnership. The COE identifies and describes the professional relationship a youth worker has with a young person who is their primary client.
Now that the COE/DMF is developed it is important to test its effectiveness as a resource to enhance youth work practice. It is equally important to determine if any flaws exist so that they may be addressed and modified. In order to support management and workers to conduct the trial we have provided this kit, to be implemented from 1st September 2005. The kit includes:
- draft code of ethics
- draft preamble
- ethical decision making framework
- Draft policy for incorporating the youth work COE/DMF into the organisation
- Out of area invitation to participate
- Registration of interest (78kB PDF opens in new window)
- RYDON members contact list (for support) (123kB PDF opens in new window)
- Discussion guidelines for team/staff meetings
- Feedback sheet (80kB PDF opens in new window)
- RYDON COE implementation action plan (121kB PDF opens in new window)
We appreciate your support of this trial and would like to assure you of our ongoing support, as you require it. RYDON will be asking for evaluation and feedback through out the trial period so please collect this information as it presents. Please contact your local youth development officer if you have any further questions.
Kind Regards
Michele Ireland
For the Code of Ethics Work Party and RYDON committee
