Code of Ethics

CODE OF ETHICS

TOPP KIDS programs adhere to the Code of Ethics applied by the Child and Youth Care
Association of Alberta. TOPP KIDS and its employees are responsible to act in accordance
with Common Law, Federal and Provincial Human Rights Legislation, the United Nations
Declaration of Children’s Rights, and the Standards of Child Care of the Alberta Association
of Services for Children and Families. TOPP KIDS and its employees respect the dignity and
worth of the individual, value the contribution of the family as the main tool of development
of the well-adjusted child, and strive to protect, respect, and promote the rights and welfare
of all those who receive services from employees of the association. The profession aims to
address, as much as possible, the psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and biological
needs of young people and their families. This may occur at different life stages or in a variety
of circumstances. This ethical statement is a living document, always a work in progress,
which will mature and clarify as our understanding and knowledge grow.

PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS

I. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELF:

A. Maintains competency.

1. Takes accountability for identifying, developing, and fully utilizing
   knowledge and abilities for professional practice.
2. Continually pursue knowledge, skills, and self-awareness that are
   needed to be professionally competent.
3. Shall divorce themselves from any situation or consideration which
   causes or may be seen to cause a loss of objectivity or effectiveness.

B. Maintains high standards of professional conduct.

1. Shall practice the profession to the best of their ability, and in any
   case in line with the current state of the profession in respect to standards
   and regulations governing childcare in the Province of Alberta.
2. Failure to comply with relevant provincial and local agency
   regulations, standards, and codes shall be considered a breach of the Code
   of Ethics of TOPP KIDS if the employee is in a position to know the relevant
   regulation, standard, or code.
3. Ensure when stating an opinion, the recipient of the opinion is aware
   that it is a personal opinion. Additionally, members will strive to maintain
   objectivity in their statements and discussions.
4. Demonstrate integrity in all professional relationships.
   C. Maintains physical and emotional well-being.
5. Aware of own values and their implication for practice.
6. Aware of self as a growing, learning, and strengthening professional.

II. RESPONSIBILITY TO THE CLIENT:

1. Responsible for ensuring the relationships with their clients are
   therapeutic. In a situation where the relationship is of no benefit or is
   detrimental to the welfare or well-being of the client it is the duty of the
   member to terminate the non-therapeutic relationship and refer the client to
   other professionals.
2. Maintain professionalism in consultation, communication, and
   collaboration with other professionals in providing the best possible care for
   the client. In situations where the member believes that the involvement of
   another professional is not in the best interests of a client it is the member’s
   responsibility to advocate for the client.
3. Maintain confidentiality with regard to information concerning clients.
   Information obtained in the course of executing their professional duties will
   not be shared with anyone except in a professional capacity.
4. Any use of client information for teaching, public education, or
   research is acceptable only if the client and all those in a position of legal
   responsibility have given informed consent for the release of the information.
   Informed consent includes an explanation of the purposes for which the
   information is intended. Any use of confidential information for teaching,
   public education, or research purposes requires the member thoroughly
   disguises the identity of the client and others involved.
5. Interviews, counselling sessions, meetings, interrogations, and any
   other form of interpersonal communications other than those which produce
   a hard copy version of the interaction require informed consent to be
   obtained by the employee prior to recording by electronic means or
   transcription. In cases of hard copy, such as letters, emails or fax
   transmissions, informed consent will be assumed from the act of
   transmission.
6. Enable children to participate to their full potential in carefully planned
   environments that serve individual needs and facilitate the child’s progress in
   all areas of development.
7. Enhance human dignity through trusting, caring and cooperative
   relationships that respect the work and uniqueness of the individual.
8. Work in partnership with co-workers and other service providers in the
   community to support the well-being of children and their families.
9. Recognize that parents are primarily responsible for the care of their
   children, and work in partnership to support parents in their commitment to
   their children.
10. Demonstrate caring for all children in all aspects of their practice.
11. Promote health and wellbeing of all children.

III. RESPONSIBILITY TO THE EMPLOYER/EMPLOYING ORGANIZATION:

1. Publicly respects the prerogatives and obligations of TOPP KIDS Out
   of School Clubs/ Foundation and the institutions or organizations with which
   they are associated.
2. Treats colleagues with respect, courtesy, fairness, and good faith.
3. Relates to the clients of colleagues with professional consideration.
4. Respects the commitments made to the employer/employing
   organization.

IV. RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PROFESSION:

1. Shall not intentionally, and/or accidentally compromise TOPP KIDS
   Out of School Clubs/Foundation and/or its objectives in any ways or means.
2. Will ensure accuracy of information and soundness of
   recommendations forwarded to another involved professional, agency, or the
   courts.
3. Maintain personal and professional integrity. Any contract position or
   agency/organizational directive or requirement which the member feels is in
   conflict with the Code of Ethics must be reported to the C.E.O of TOPP KIDS
   Out of School Clubs/ Foundation.
4. Be responsible for involving themselves in their professional
   association and working to strengthen that association.
5. Recognizes that in situations of professional practice the standards in
   this code shall guide the resolution of ethical conflicts.
6. Ensures that education and training programs are competently
   designed and delivered.
7. Ensures that administrators and supervisors lead programs in high
   quality and ethical practice in relation to clients, staff, governing bodies, and
   the community.

V. RESPONSIBILITY TO SOCIETY:

1. Contributes to the profession in making services available to the
   public.
2. Promotes understanding and facilitates acceptance of diversity in
   society.
3. Demonstrates the standards of this Code with employees and
   volunteers.
4. Encourages informed participation by the public in shaping social
   policies and institutions.

Sourced from: http://cycaa.com/about-us/code-of-ethics