code of ethics

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Acknowledgement  

I acknowledge the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara people as the traditional owners and custodians of the Sunshine Coast. Paying respect to elders, past, present and emerging.   

Purpose  

The SolShine Arts Code of Ethics defines the behaviour, commitment and integrity that the Arts Therapist should have with their clients at SolShine Arts, whether employed by government/non-government agencies or self-employed.  

 The purpose of the Code is: 

- To establish minimum standards of ethical practice at SolShine Arts; 

- To promote a professional level of competence and accountability at SolShine Arts; 

- To provide a guideline for clients at SolShine Arts; 

- To provide a foundation of ethical principles and standards of practice to guide decision making in situations of uncertainty at SolShine Arts.  

Principle 1 – Responsibility to clients and client’s best interests   

1.1 At SolShine Arts we respect all the clients, from different backgrounds, abilities, ages, cultures, ethnicity, sexual identity, gender and religious beliefs. We treat every client equally with no discrimination or judgment, creating a safe environment for everyone;  

1.2 At SolShine Arts we respect the rights of clients to make decisions and assist them in an understanding of the consequences of these decisions;  

1.3 At SolShine Arts we do not give advice to our clients. We provide a supportive environment where the clients can discuss and expose their issues as well as practical tools for them to have the clarity to identify their problems and how is the best way to address them.   

1.4 At SolShine Arts we obtain informed consent from clients and respect their right to continue in therapy or to withdraw.   

1.5 At SolShine Arts we welcome all public, including people that we know personally (not including family members). However, we do not create a dependent relationship with clients and we are clear at the outset about therapeutic aims and determine the duration of therapy according to client needs.  

1.6 When it is apparent that the creative arts therapist is unable to be of professional help to a client, the creative arts therapist should not start working with a client or should terminate therapy if it has already begun, while offering help in seeking satisfactory alternative services for the client.  

1.7 At SolShine Arts we are committed to ongoing education on aspects of indigenous culture, multicultural diversity, sexual diversity and intersectionality relevant to their clients' issues related to multicultural situations, sex, gender identity/expression and sexual orientation.  

1.8 At SolShine Arts we make information available to clients regarding ethical principles and guidelines, certification and requirements for practice, and state and federal legislation so that clients are fully aware of their rights.  

1.9 At SolShine Arts we must accurately represent their professional competence, education, training and experience in all advertisements and publications including directories, business cards, websites so that clients can make an informed decision about therapy.  

Principle 2. Confidentiality  

2.1 At SolShine Arts we have a primary responsibility to respect and honour client confidentiality and to safeguard all written, taped, digitally (or analogue) recorded, and visual, work, or information produced during the course of therapy for private and group therapy.  

2.2 At SolShine Arts we ensure that they have obtained informed consent from any clients before they disclose clients' relevant personal information to other parties.  

2.3 At SolShine Arts we may breach confidentiality without client consent when mandated by law, or when the client's mental and emotional state clearly indicates an immediate danger to the client and/or others. In such cases, the creative arts therapist must act in accordance with the law and document the event.  

2.4 At SolShine Arts we must obtain written consent for therapy for any minors, from parents/legal guardians. The legal position varies between jurisdictions for clients aged 16 years and over and it differs for minors where custody orders may be in place.   

2.5 At SolShine Arts we ensure that imagery created during the period of therapy is safeguarded. No photographs or exhibitions of client artwork are to be represented and no images of clients, or client artwork, are to be posted on social network sites unless written and verbal informed consent has been obtained from the client concerned or, if under 18, their parent/ carer/guardian.   

Principle 3. Professional Boundaries 

3.1 At SolShine Arts we do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships with clients or with clients' close family members.  

3.2 At SolShine Arts we welcome people that we know personally but we do not engage in any conversation related to the Arts Therapy session in an environment that is not the clinic.   

Principal 4. Professional Responsibility   

4.1 To ensure safe and effective services, At SolShine Arts we must not work under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In addition, we must not work if unfit for practice because of health impairment or personal circumstances.  

4.2 At SolShine Arts we prevent the transmission of infectious illnesses by adopting standard infection control procedures such as hand hygiene and routine cleaning of art supplies as well as providing hand sanitiser and tissues.