The following Youth Work Code of Ethics was developed in the Hunter during 2004 - 2005. The sector began the work at the RYDON Conference in 2004. A small committee continued those efforts into 2005.
A word about ethics
At its most basic level "ethics" is about how we behave in relationship to that which is other than ourselves (persons, society, environment...) and the framework(s) within which we choose our actions. At a minimum a Code of Ethics describes "good practice" for a group of practitioners. At best a "Code of Ethics" is an attempt to apply ethical principles in a particular practice context. It both guides practice and shapes clients' expectations.
Some commonly accepted ethical principles are:
Non-maleficence - as Hippocrates said "first do no harm".
Beneficence - to maximise benefits and minimise possible harms.
Justice - includes fairness, rightness, equity; standards/ expectations within a society about relations between members; the rights & services due any member of that society.
All ethical practice is grounded in:
Autonomy/ respect for persons - that individuals are autonomous agents and that persons with diminished autonomy are entitled to protection; that respect for persons includes regard for their welfare, rights, beliefs, perceptions, customs and cultural heritage.
In any caring profession "respect for persons" includes the recognition that the professional relationship is grounded in an unequal power relationship. The young person can benefit from the relationship only if they feel secure that the "professional" will never use or manipulate them or the situation to meet their own needs.
Within this framework the key virtues intrinsic to Youth Work are:
Integrity honesty in intention and in action
Respect respect for the young person; professional trust as basis for relationship
Empathy ability to see issue/ event from young person's perspective
Optimism a positive view of the young person and his/her potential.
