The Code of Ethics for Youth Workers in WA

The Code of Ethics is the core document that informs and guides the ethical practice of youth workers. It has been developed and revised over many years, initially through the Youth Affairs Council of WA and later reviewed in partnership with the sector by Youth Work WA and YACWA in 2014 and again in 2024. The Code outlines the values and responsibilities that are fundamental to and define the Youth Work profession. It is the set of standards that the WA Youth Work sector has agreed to practice by.

Download your own copy of the Code of Ethics For Youth Workers in WA Poster here (PDF).

The code is intended to support all Youth Workers and Youth Work organisations to make great ethical decisions in their day to day practice. 

We have also updated the "What you can expect from our youth workers" poster, a Code of Ethics written especially for young people to understand. We recommend displaying this around any facilities young people access, so they know what they can expect from their Youth Workers. Download the Young Peoples version of the Code here (PDF).

Want to pre-order professionally printed copies of the Poster or Flip Cards? Our flip cards are a great resource to use with teams to further embed the code in your practice. Complete the Resources Pre-Order Form here.

Would you like to know more about the Code of Ethics? We deliver training! Register your interest in the revised Code of Ethics Training here.

The development of the WA Youth Work Code of Ethics was completed in partnership between Youth Work WA and the Youth Affairs Council of WA, with support from the Department of Communities.

Curious about the development of the most recent Code of Ethics? Check out the process here.