Introduction:
Based on Agency Philosophy and counselling approach, the Society has adopted statements of ethics for staff and rights for clients that guide day-to-day practice. Both the Code of Ethics and the Statement of Rights of Children and Families have their basis in the examination of documents from a number of sources and in the experiences of staff and Board members.
This document is meant as a more detailed statement of the standard of practice, not as a limiting definition of the intent of the statement of ethics.
Definition:
For the purposes of this policy, a minor client of Pacific Community Resources Society is considered a Pacific Community Resources client for a minimum of two years after provision of services has ended, or for as long as the client or former client is a minor, whichever is greater.
An adult Pacific Community Resources client in a counselling relationship is considered a client of the agency for one year after provision of services has ended.
This definition and policy is in recognition of the power imbalance which exists in the counsellor-client relationship.
Accountability:
Staff are accountable to the people they serve, to their profession, to society, and to the Agency. This accountability is achieved by adherence to the philosophy, purpose, and standards of practice determined by the profession and the Agency.
Failure to fulfill the obligation of this Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary action.
Code of Ethics:
The Pacific Community Resources Society staff, contractors, practicum students and volunteers shall:
Promote the welfare of consumers of service by seeking to ensure the physical and emotional safety, security, and integrity of children, youth and families, and in particular, seek to protect them from abuse and neglect.
Including but not limited to:
• Taking active steps to ensure that the client is safe.
• Reporting all incidents of suspected abuse or neglect to the proper agencies in accordance with child welfare legislation.
• Actively participating with colleagues and persons served in determining a course of action that will ensure the physical and emotional safety of the person(s) served.
Promote the physical, emotional, intellectual development of persons served.
Including but not limited to:
• Working from the belief that all people are capable of positive change.
Respect the intrinsic dignity and worth of persons served.
Including but not limited to:
• Providing service without prejudice in regard for ethnic origin, status, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or beliefs.
Respect and promote the human, legal and civil rights of persons served and seek to ensure that they obtain all services to which they are entitled.
Including but not limited to:
• Making consumers of service aware of their rights and advocating for them with regard to the policies of agencies with which they are involved.
Recognize that the relationship with clients is one that carries special responsibility and not exploit that relationship for private advantage or personal gain.
Including but not limited to:
• Ensuring that the difference between professional and personal relationships with clients is clearly understood and respected, and that the worker’s behaviour is appropriate to this difference.
• A worker will not exploit relationships with clients, supervisors, students, or employees sexually or otherwise. The worker will not condone or engage in sexual harassment.
• Sexual behaviour with a client is unethical.
Protect the confidentiality of all professionally acquired information and disclose such information only when properly authorized or under legal or professional obligation to do so, in keeping with policy items B6.1 and M5.1 in this Agency's Manual.
Including but not limited to:
• Disclosure of information necessary to prevent serious crime or to prevent clients doing harm to themselves or others is justified.
Act in a conscientious, diligent and efficient manner and, where a client is not benefiting from the services and/or professional relationship; seek assistance to ensure other appropriate services.
Seek to maintain and improve one’s knowledge and skills.
Ensure that personal interests do not take precedence over, or conflict with professional judgement, independence or competence, in keeping with Personnel Policy items on:
• Conflict of interest, item #36
• Acceptance of Gifts and Complimentary Items & Services, item #42
• Employment and Other Activities Outside the Agency, item #37
• Buying, Selling, Lending, or Borrowing Money, Goods, or Services to or from Clients, item #40
• External Use of Society Program Policy, Training, or Other Material, item #39
• Professional Conduct and Behaviour, item #47
• Employee Client Relations, item #44
• Personal Affairs of Clients, item #43
Including but not limited to:
• The worker’s private life is a personal matter to the same degree as it is for any other citizen, except as it may compromise the fulfilment of professional responsibilities.
Make clear distinctions between actions undertaken on behalf of the Society and those taken in a personal capacity.
Including but not limited to:
• Making clear in any public activities whether the worker is acting in a personal capacity or on behalf of the Society.
• Informing the employer of any potential conflict of interest.
• No staff member shall make statements to the public concerning the agency or its work without the approval of the Executive Director.
Not act in ways that undermine the confidence of clients in other professionals or services.
Including but not limited to:
• Each staff member shall work cooperatively and respectfully with co-workers and other professionals.
• Each staff member shall treat with respect the statements and actions of all co-workers and other professionals.
Take appropriate action to resolve personal, professional and ethical conflicts as directly and speedily as possible.
Including but not limited to:
• Taking reasonable action with regard to any perceived unethical conduct by any other professional.
• Reporting any suspected or observed misconduct to the immediate supervisor. Any malicious intent in doing so is unethical.
• Supervisors will investigate all allegations of misconduct and report their findings to the Executive Director.
Pacific Community Resources Society is committed to the Code of Ethics of:
• The Child and Youth Care Association of British Columbia
• The British Columbia Association of Social Workers and the Board of Registration for Social Workers in British Columbia
• The Federation of Child and Family Services of British Columbia