CYC-Net: CYC Ethics

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Ethics

Child and Youth Care (CYC) professionals work with vulnerable children, adolescents, and families, often in challenging environments such as foster care, residential care, schools, and in community programs. Ethical practice in this field is crucial to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of young people in care.

1. Core Ethical Principles in Child and Youth Care

Several foundational ethical principles guide CYC practice:

a. Respect for the Dignity and Rights of Young People

Autonomy and Self-Determination: Youth should be involved in decisions affecting their lives, respecting their capacity for independence.
Confidentiality: Protecting sensitive information while balancing safety concerns (e.g., mandatory reporting of abuse).
Non-Discrimination: Treating all youth fairly, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, disability, or socioeconomic status.

b. Best Interests of the Child

Prioritizing the child’s well-being in all decisions, even when conflicting with organizational policies or caregiver preferences.
Advocating for necessary services (e.g., mental health support, education).

c. Professional Integrity and Competence

Maintaining appropriate boundaries (no dual relationships, exploitation, or favoritism).
Engaging in ongoing professional development to ensure evidence-based practice.

d. Social Justice and Advocacy

Addressing systemic barriers (e.g., poverty, racism) that impact youth.
Challenging oppressive policies and promoting equity in care.

2. Key Ethical Dilemmas in Child and Youth Care Practice

Practitioners often face complex situations requiring ethical judgment:

a. Confidentiality vs. Mandatory Reporting

Example: A youth discloses self-harm but asks the worker not to tell anyone.
Ethical Response: Balance trust-building with legal obligations to report risks to safety.

b. Autonomy vs. Protection

Example: A 16-year-old refuses medication for a mental health condition.
Ethical Response: Assess competence, explore alternatives, and involve guardians if necessary.

c. Cultural Sensitivity vs. Policy Compliance

Example: A family’s cultural practices conflict with agency rules (e.g., methods of discipline).
Ethical Response: Seek culturally informed solutions without compromising child safety.

d. Boundaries

Example: A former client requests a personal relationship after leaving care.
Ethical Response: Maintain professional boundaries to prevent harm or dependency.

3. Ethical Frameworks and Decision-Making Models

Practitioners use structured approaches to resolve dilemmas:

a. The ETHICS Model (Adapted for CYC)

Examine the situation.
Think about relevant laws, policies, and values.
Hypothesise possible actions and outcomes.
Implement the most ethical choice.
Consult supervisors or colleagues.
Self-Reflect on the decision’s impact.

b. Trauma-Informed Ethical Practice

Recognizing how trauma affects behavior and avoiding re-traumatization (e.g., punitive measures vs. restorative approaches).

4. Legal and Professional Guidelines

CYC ethics are shaped by:

Child Protection Laws (e.g., mandatory reporting).
Professional Codes of Ethics (e.g., from the CYCCB or FICE).
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (e.g., right to participation and protection).

5. Challenges in Upholding Ethics

Burnout & Compassion Fatigue: May lead to lapses in ethical judgment.
Systemic Barriers: Underfunded programs may force compromises in care quality.
Power Imbalances: Avoiding paternalism while ensuring safety.

6. Best Practices

Supervision: Discuss dilemmas with experienced mentors and supervisors.
Documentation: Record decisions transparently.
Participation: Involve children and youth in care planning.
Self-Care: Maintain personal well-being to avoid ethical lapses.

From the International Leadership Coalition of Professional Child and Youth Care (June 1995)

Preamble

Professional Child and Youth Care is committed to promoting the well being of children, youth, and families in a context of respect and collaboration. This commitment is carried out in a variety of settings and with a broad range of roles including direct practice. supervision, administration, teaching and training, research, consultation, and advocacy. In the course of practice Child and Youth Care Professionals encounter many situations which have ethical dimensions and implications.

As Child and Youth Care Professionals we are aware of, and sensitive to, the responsibilities involved in our practice. Each professional has the responsibility to strive for high standards of professional conduct. This includes a commitment to the centrality of ethical concerns for Child and Youth Care practice, concern with one's own professional conduct, encouraging ethical behavior by others, and consulting with others on ethical issues.

This ethical statement is a living document, always a work in progress, which will mature and clarify as our understanding and knowledge grow. The principles represent values deeply rooted in our history, to which there is a common commitment. They are intended to serve as guidelines for conduct and to assist in resolving ethical questions. For some dilemmas, the principles provide specific or significant guidance. In other instances, the Child and Youth Care Professional is required to combine the guidance of the principles with sound professional judgment and consultation. In any situation, the course of action chosen is expected to be consistent with the spirit and intent of the principles.

The Profession