This unit will examine what constitutes ethical practice in the clinical and social sciences, giving attention to ethical issues such as confidentiality, duty of care, dual relationships, working with minors, dependency and spiritual abuse. These issues will be examined through a Christian Worldview with reference to general ethical principles and their application to workplace situations, and in the context of professional ethical codes of conduct and the legal requirements which frame the work of Community development, Counselling and Youth Work in the state of Victoria and across Australia. The obligations of the practitioner and the profession to the wider community will also be considered. The legal context as it pertains to counselling, community development and youth work in Australia will be examined, and professional conduct within legal situations such as court appearances will be discussed. Students will examine what constitutes risky practice with reference to negligence, confidentiality, advertising, informed consent, record keeping, and privacy with reference to relevant Victorian legislation, as well as latest developments in the area of public liability under common law also including reporting crimes and abuse. Other areas pertaining too ethical and profession practice will be discussed as it pertains to student prerequisite training for placement or field work. Other areas of professional practice covered in the unit include: the significance and utilisation of supervision and professional development, membership of professional organizations, practice administration and management as well as working in and with multidisciplinary teams for the best interests of our clients. Topics: + What are ethics + Morals vs Ethics + Confidentiality + Boundary Issues – Boundaries: Crossing & Violations and Dependency + Boundary Issues – Dual Relationships and Sexual Issues + Focus – Ethics when working with Couples and Families + Ethics with Groups + Ethics and Multicultural Work + Focus – Spiritual Abuse and Community Issues + Legal Issues for those who Counsel + Professional Competence and Self-Care