Policy:
All staff* must understand and apply the Code of Ethics as a guide to their behaviour in work and work-related activities. Further, all staff will abide by their own recognized professional Code of Ethics, provided it is recognized by the Organization.
The Code of Ethics is presented with full knowledge that specific conduct will be further guided by professional judgments and situational circumstances. In all instances, staff are expected to practice competently and to refrain from conduct unbecoming a professional. The behaviour of staff will be ethical and respectful at all times. Violation of these standards has the potential to seriously damage relationships with the people we serve, their families, and the greater community and may be grounds for dismissal.
*staff refers to any person working for/with Foster Parents Support Services Society FPSSS, interacts with any Foster Parent, and will include (but not be limited to) all paid staff, practicum students and volunteers.
The Code of Ethics serves the following purposes:
- Ethical statements and practice standards provide guidelines that assist us in deciding what actions to take from an ethical viewpoint.
- The Code of Ethics is the expression of values and principles of a particular occupational group for its members, stakeholders, and the general public.
- The Code of Ethics has educational value in assisting staff members to develop their judgment in weighing alternative courses of action in difficult situations.
Commitment to the Foster Child
Commitment to Professional Practices
Commitment to the Fostering Profession
Commitment to the Community
Staff members of FPSS Society affirm that their primary concern is the quality of service rendered by themselves to the Organization and the fostering community.
Accordingly, he/she will:
- maintain the confidentiality of the details and dynamics of staff discussions, as well as those items designated as confidential;
- sign a code of ethical conduct declaration for retention in their file upon hiring and annually thereafter;
- abide by the Conflict of Interest policy as well as all other policies relating to staff members;
- not disclose any sensitive or confidential information learned through association with the Organization;
- avoid, in fact and in perception, conflicts of interest and disclose to the Executive Director, in a timely manner, any possible conflicts;
- ensure the affairs of the Organization are conducted with integrity and transparency;
- ensure the activities of the society shall, upon request, be open and accessible to scrutiny by its respective stakeholders, except per personnel matters, legal matters, and proprietary information, as specified by provincial or federal laws;
- respect the dignity, values, history, religion, and culture of all people, irrespective of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ages, mental or physical ability;
- recognize that all of their activities impact on the public perception of the fostering community, and that they share a significant responsibility to enhance the public trust, and act accordingly;
- be prepared for meetings, having read pre-circulated material in advance of the meeting;
- contribute to discussions and decision-making, which are positive and constructive. Staff members’ interactions in meetings shall be courteous, respectful and free of animosity;
- act openly, honestly, and in good faith;
- establish and respect appropriate boundaries between themselves, Board members, staff members and persons served.
Violation of the Code of Ethics:
When a potential breech is brought to the Executive Director’s attention, the Executive Director will review the concern.
Allegations will be dealt with impartially, respecting the rights of the involved party for confidentiality and disclosure.
If the Executive Director deems it necessary for further action, the Discipline Procedures will be followed, up to and including dismissal. A Staff Member who is found to have violated the Code of Ethics may be dismissed.