Introducing the Fairbridge Code of

Ethics for Youth Work

CHCYTH301C

The youthwork code of ethics

Adopted by the youth sector of WA in 1997 after 15 years of debate and discussion, lead by Dr Howard Sercombe.

Subsequently adopted by other states and other youthworkers.

Many people work with young people. What makes what they do different, however, is how they see the young person, how they relate to them, support them and allow them to take control over their lives.

This presentation looks at how Youth Workers choose to work with young people and the context within which they work.

We work with and for young people. We value their goals, aspirations and wishes above others and see them as equal partners in the work we do.

To best work with young people we must understand what is going on for them. This includes how they fit into their families, their communities and their peers. The way we work with them should take into consideration their ecology.

To best work with young people we must understand what is going on for them. This includes how they fit into their families, their communities and their peers. The way we work with them should take into consideration their ecology.

We do not let our judgments impact on how we see or work with young people.

We recognise that young people have strengths and are able to make decisions, to direct their lives and to make a positive contribution. We support them in doing this.

Duty of careThe youth worker avoids exposing young people to the likelihood of further harm or injury

We do not use young people to benefit ourselves. We are honest about our motivations and rewards and ensure that young people are the major beneficiaries

We are open and truthful. We do not deceive young people, make promises we can’t keep or keep information from them.

We do not share information provided by young people against them or with others without their permission. This is only limited when they are being harmed, are at risk of harm or when it is illegal for you to not to share.

We have limits and we are honest about this. When we aren’t able to support a young person we help them to find others who can

We keep up to date. We find others who we can check in with and develop our knowledge with.

We are self aware

We know who we are, our values and interests and approach difference with respect

We have boundaries

We are not young people’s best friends, their sexual partners or their rescuers. Our relationship is limited and we ensure that we do not stray out of these boundaries

We must ensure that we are healthy, our needs are being met and that others are supporting us as we support young people

integrity

Youthworkers are loyal to the practice of youth work, not bringing it into disrepute. Youthworkers will respect the strengths and diversity of roles other than youth work.

Primary clientEcologyNon discriminatoryEmpoweringDuty of careNot corruptTransparentConfidentialCooperationKnowledgeSelf awareBoundariesSelf careIntegrity