Code of Ethics for Persons Working with Children
and Youth in UUA Sponsored Programs
1. The Role of Adult Leaders
Adults working with children and youth in the context
of our Unitarian Universalist faith have a crucial and privileged
role, one which may carry with it a great deal of power and influence.
Whether acting as youth advisor, chaperone, child-care worker, teacher,
minister, registrant at a youth-adult conference or in any other
role, the adult has a special opportunity to interact with our young
people in ways which are affirming and inspiring to the young people
and to the adult. Adults can be mentors to, role models for, and
trusted friends of children and youth. They can be teachers, counsellors
and ministers. To help our children grow up to be caring and responsible
adults can be a meaningful and joyful experience for the adult and
a lifetime benefit to the young person.
While it is important that adults be capable of maintaining
meaningful friendships with the young people they work with, adults
must exercise good judgment and mature wisdom in using their influence
with children and youth and refrain from using young people to fulfill
their own needs. Young people are in a vulnerable position when
dealing with adults and may find it difficult to speak out about
the inappropriate behavior of adults. Adult leaders need to possess
a special dedication to working with our young people in ways which
affirm the UUA Principles. Good communication skills, self-awareness
and understanding of others, sensitivity, problem-solving and decision-making
skills, and a positive attitude are all important attributes. Additionally,
in recruiting adult leaders we should also seek persons who 1) have
a social network outside of their religious education responsibility
in which to meet their own needs for friendship, affirmation, and
self-esteem, and 2) are willing and able to seek assistance from
colleagues and religious professionals when they become aware of
a situation requiring expert help or intervention.
It is ultimately the responsibility of the entire
congregation or conference community, not just those in leadership
positions, to create and maintain a climate which supports the growth
and welfare of children and youth.
2. Code of Ethics
With the aforementioned in mind, the following statement
is submitted as a “Code of Ethics” for adults working
with children and youth:
Adults and older youth who are in leadership roles
are in a position of stewardship and play a key role in fostering
the spiritual development of both individuals and the community.
It is therefore especially important that those in leadership positions
be well qualified to provide the special nurturing, care, and support
that will enable children and youth to develop a positive sense
of self and a spirit of independence and responsibility. The relationship
between young people and their leaders must be one of mutual respect
if the positive potential of their relationship is to be realized.
There are no more important areas of growth than
those of self-worth and the development of a healthy identity as
a sexual being. Adults play a key role in assisting children and
youth in these areas of growth. Wisdom dictates that children, youth
and adults suffer damaging effects when leaders become sexually
involved with young persons in their care; leaders will therefore
refrain from engaging in sexual, seductive or erotic behavior with
children and youth. Neither shall they sexually harass youth nor
engage in behavior with children or youth that constitutes verbal,
emotional, or physical abuse.
Leaders shall be informed of the code of ethics and
agree to it before assuming their roles. In cases of any violation
of this code, appropriate action will be taken.
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