SVIYFCA - Standards of Practice

Standards of Practice

current May 2006

Philosophical Statement:

The purpose of standards of practice is to ensure quality of care to children/youth and their families and to define appropriate professional conduct. Members of the South Vancouver Island School-Based Youth and Family Counsellors' Association will adhere to the following Standards of Practice:

Members will:

1. Have a university degree in the human services (e.g. Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Counselling Psychology) with related work experience.

2. Adhere to the role, duties and responsibilities outlined in the School-Based Youth and Family Counsellor Job Description.

3. Follow the Code of Ethics of the South Vancouver Island School-Based Youth and Family Counsellors’ Association.

4. Demonstrate knowledge in the following areas:

a)       Human development.

b)       Psychology of children and adolescents.

c)       Developmental life cycle of families.

d)       Family diversity and poverty.

e)       Interpersonal communications specifically related to counselling and mediation processes.

f)       Social policy and relevant legislation affecting children/youth and families (i.e. The Child, Family, and Community Services Act, Young Offenders Act).

g)        Professional ethics.

5. Demonstrate competency in the following areas:

a)       Individual, group, and family counselling.

b)       Crisis management intervention.

c)       Conflict resolution and mediation skills.

d)       Liaison and advocacy skills.

6. Maintain the confidentiality of children/youth except in the following situations:

a)      Where the child/youth is in need of protection as defined by the Child, Family and Community Services Act (see Appendix A). Follow reporting procedures as outlined by the Child, Family, and Community Services Act.

b)   Where the child/youth is at risk of committing suicide. Notify the parents/guardian or appropriate other person and the school administration as outlined by the Greater Victoria School District (see Appendix B).

c)      Where the safety of another individual is believed to be at risk. In this case, appropriate systems shall be notified (i.e. parents, guardians, police, school administration, probation officer, etc).

7. Develop and evaluate service plans in conjunction with child/youth/family.

8. Ensure accountability by:

a)     Reviewing/obtaining feedback from child/youth/family regarding service.

b)    Maintaining up-to-date records regarding service outcomes.

c)     Providing reports to our employer/society.

d)        Providing reports to School District 61.

e)     Accessing regular supervision.