SWSPA Global Code of Ethical Practice

I. Preamble: Our Enduring Commitment

The Southwest Supervised Parenting Alliance (SWSPA) is dedicated to ensuring that every child and family navigating transitions through supervised parenting services experiences safety, respect, and the opportunity for healthy connection. Our commitment is rooted in the belief that all individuals possess inherent dignity and the right to a supportive, non-violent environment. This Global Code of Ethical Practice (the "Code") serves as the foundational guide for all SWSPA members, reflecting our core values and the progressive ideals of our profession.

II. Mission Alignment & Scope

SWSPA's Mission: SWSPA is the global catalyst for excellence in supervised parenting, empowering professionals, innovating practices, and advocating for equitable access to create safe, nurturing environments for children and families.

This Code of Ethical Practice outlines the principles and standards that guide the conduct of every SWSPA member. For the purpose of this Code, "member" includes all individual and agency providers, their staff, volunteers, students, and management, regardless of their specific role, service setting, or client population. Adherence to this Code is a fundamental requirement of SWSPA membership.

III. Foundational Principles & Core Values

Our ethical practice is built upon the following interlinked values and principles, reflecting our commitment to the well-being of those we serve and the integrity of our profession:

• A. Accountability & Integrity:

  • Principle: Members are committed to transparency, honesty, and responsible stewardship in all professional interactions and operations.
  • Value in Practice: This guides our commitment to Impact Measurement & Outcome Excellence(Pillar 3), ensuring data is collected ethically and reported transparently. It also reinforces the ethical conduct expected within our Global Community & Organizational Vitality (Pillar 2).

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  B. Client-Centered Care & Well-being:

  • Principle: The safety, best interests, and holistic well-being of children and families are paramount in every decision and action. Members prioritize empowering clients through respect, self-determination, and culturally responsive support.
  • Value in Practice: This principle is central to our Advocacy & Policy Innovation (Pillar 1), striving for systems that prioritize family well-being, and underpins the Professional Standards & Foundational Learning (Pillar 4) that train members in client-centered approaches.

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  C. Continuous Learning & Professional Growth:

  • Principle: Members are committed to lifelong learning, ongoing skill development, and embracing evidence-based practices to ensure the highest quality of service.
  • Value in Practice: This directly supports Professional Standards & Foundational Learning (Pillar 4), emphasizing continuous improvement and staying abreast of advancements. It also fuels Impact Measurement & Outcome Excellence (Pillar 3) by encouraging research and the integration of new knowledge.

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  D. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:

  • Principle: Members actively champion an equitable and inclusive environment, valuing and respecting all individuals regardless of their background, culture, identity, or circumstances. Practice is culturally humble and responsive.
  • Value in Practice: This is integral to Advocacy & Policy Innovation (Pillar 1), ensuring policies address disparities, and is a core component of Professional Standards & Foundational Learning(Pillar 4), where cultural competency is a key training area. It also strengthens our Global Community & Organizational Vitality (Pillar 2) by promoting an inclusive network.

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  E. Professional Boundaries & Conduct:

  • Principle: Members maintain clear, appropriate, and professional boundaries in all relationships, avoiding conflicts of interest and any form of exploitation or harm.
  • Value in Practice: This fundamental principle underpins all ethical interactions and is an essential component of the Professional Standards & Foundational Learning (Pillar 4) that defines ethical practice.

IV. Ethical Standards: Application in Practice

1. Accountability & Transparency

   • Members accurately represent their qualifications, services, and the purpose of their work.
   • Members do not engage in fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading activities.
   • Members are transparent about the limitations of their services and capabilities.
   • When offering training, members clearly state their credentials, acknowledge sources, and avoid misleading claims (e.g., "certification" unless officially authorized by a recognized body). They provide certificates of attendance or completion only.
   • Members ensure continuity of care by making reasonable efforts to transition services smoothly if interrupted by personal circumstances or client needs.

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   Client-Centered Care

   • Informed Consent: Members obtain voluntary and informed consent using clear, accessible language, ensuring clients understand the purpose, risks, benefits, limitations, costs, and their right to refuse or withdraw from services. Special attention is given to clients with communication barriers or limited decision-making capacity, including providing qualified interpreters when necessary.
   • Confidentiality & Privacy: Members rigorously protect confidential information, discussing it only within professional boundaries and with appropriate consent or legal obligation. They inform clients of the limits of confidentiality and maintain privacy in all records, electronic transmissions, and public discussions. Information about one participant is not relayed to another without explicit consent and consideration of harm.
   • Termination of Services: Members clearly communicate the conditions and reasons for potential service termination and ensure a responsible transition or referral plan for clients.
   • Safety & Well-being: Members prioritize creating a physically and psychologically safe environment, free from threats, harassment, or exploitation. They uphold clear boundaries regarding physical contact.

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   Conflict of Interest & Dual Relationships

   • Members proactively identify, avoid, and resolve actual or potential conflicts of interest that could compromise their objectivity or exploit clients.
   • Dual or multiple relationships (professional, social, or business) with clients or former clients are strictly avoided where there is a risk of exploitation or harm. If unavoidable, members disclose the relationship, take protective steps, and establish clear, culturally sensitive boundaries.
   • Sexual relationships or contact with clients, supervisees, employees, or colleagues over whom the member has authority are strictly prohibited. Services are not provided to individuals with whom a prior sexual relationship existed.
   • Members do not sexually harass clients, supervisees, employees, or colleagues.

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   Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

   • Members actively cultivate cultural humility, striving to understand and respect diverse cultures, identities, family structures, and backgrounds.
   • Practice is delivered with sensitivity to the unique needs and strengths of all individuals, including those from marginalized or underserved communities.
   • Members recognize and affirm the existing relationships between parents and children, even in challenging circumstances.

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   Ethical Conduct & Professional Accountability

   • Members are continuously aware of ethical principles and dilemmas, seeking consultation when faced with complex situations.
   • If a member becomes aware of their own violation of this Code, they cease the violation and seek remedial measures or consultation.
   • If a member becomes aware of another member's violation, they are obligated to:
     • Attempt to resolve the issue directly with the member, if appropriate.
     • Notify the SWSPA Board or any designated ethics committee.
     • Report to any relevant licensing or credentialing entity with jurisdiction.
   • Confidentiality is maintained when taking these steps.
   • Members advocate for colleagues unjustly accused of unethical conduct.