CODE OF ETHICS FOR NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR FOSTER PARENTS

Foster Parents employ a multi-disciplinary body of knowledge, methods and skills in performing services and activities. These activities are aimed at facilitating, maintaining and enhancing the developing child's ability to function as a contributing member of society. Further, Foster Parents are committed to the child welfare system, fostering and the community.

COMMITMENT TO THE CHILD IN CARE AND HIS/HER FAMILY

In recognition of the public trust that is a result of children placed in their care, Foster Parents recognize their obligation in providing a safe, nurturing environment conducive to the development of each child in care to his or her full potential. In order to fulfill this obligation the Foster Parents will make a commitment to the children as well as a commitment to work with the child's family and other professionals.

Foster Parents Agree To:

• Regard the welfare of the child as their primary obligation.
• Respect the worth of all individuals regardless of ability, religion, sex or natural ancestry in their capacity as a Foster Parent.
• Work with children in care and their family in a just and considerate manner.
• Be discreet with information of a sensitive or confidential nature, sharing such information with other professions only if it is felt that such information would benefit the child, their family or if sharing is requested by law
• Refrain from unprofessional comments about the child in care or their family.
• Avoid exploiting* the relationship with any child or their family.
• Work with the child welfare authorities to inform appropriate individuals and agencies of the special needs of a child in care. Assist other individuals and agencies in their endeavor to provide services, treatment and care.
• Accept any reluctance of the child to discuss his/her past circumstances.
• Hold themselves responsible and advocate for the quality of services performed for children in care.

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

Foster Care is a community social concern. Foster Parents recognize their responsibilities towards the community by sharing responsability in developing sound social policies and programs.

Foster Parents Agree To:

• Share in the responsibility of improving child welfare services.
• Acknowledge the right and responsibility of the public to participate in the formulation of child welfare policy and care policy.
• Evaluate, through professional procedures, the conditions of child welfare services and foster care. Make knkown to the proper authorities if serious deficiencies exist.
• Protect the welfare of children against undesirable infringements by advocating for children's rights and opportunities.

COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING AND THE ASSOCIATION

Foster Parents recognize the necessity for continuing education and individual growth with the profession. Foster Parents recognize the need for providing a positive and responsive situation to enhance the competency of foster care givers. They recognize and encourage the retention of competent and dedicated Foster Parents.

Foster Parents Agree To:

• Distinguish clearly in public between statement and actions that are made by the individual or as a representative of a Foster Families Association.
• Recognize that a professional Association must accept responsability for the conduct of its members and understand that its members' conduct may be regarded as representative of all Foster Parents.
• Participate and conduct oneself in a responsible manner in the development and implementation of policies affecting children in care.
• Cooperate in the recruitment and retention of Foster Parents/Homes by providing honest and objective information.
• Treat with respect the findings, news and actions of fellow Foster Parents and use appropriate channels such as Foster Families Associations to express any opinions.
• Accord just and equitable treatment to all Foster Parents in the exercise of their rights and responsibilities and support them when they are accused or when they perceive they are being unfairly treated.
• Refrain from exploiting one's relationships with the Association and the community.
• Maintain the integrity of fostering and the Association by basing criticism on careful evaluation of facts.
• Make appropriate use of the time and privileges accorded by one's position as a Foster Parent or as an Association official. Accept no gratuities or gifts of significance that may influence one's judgement in the exercise of duties.
• Maintain intellectual honest and integrity by appropriate interpretation and use of all reference material, research studies and literature.
• Accept one's own responsibility towards continuing education and personal development.
• Accept responsibility to work towards assuring that ethical standards are adhered to by any individual or organization providing foster care services.

COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND PLACEMENT PRACTICES

Foster parents should recognize their role and contribution within the child welfare system and in doing so, acknowledge and support positive professional practices between themselves and other professionals. Sound relationships with government representatives, community agencies and other professionals are built upon personal integrity, dignity, and mutual respect.

Foster Parents Agree To:

• Accept child placements only when the terms, policies, and practices lead you to believe that your skills are adequate to meet the needs of the child.
• Negotiate and execute the terms of all working agreements fairly and honestly.
• Adhere to the conditions of a working agreement or to the terms of the placement until either has been terminated legally or by mutual consent.
• Accept no commitment that will impair the effectiveness of one's service and permit to exploitation of their position.
• Maintain an attitude of mutual respect when working with other professionals involved in child care.
• Follow appropriate channels of resolution when dealing with specific concerns or difficulties.

*Definition: Exploit - to make use of selfishly or unethically. back