A member of the family and consumer sciences profession and of AAFCS is required by the code of ethics to maintain the highest responsible standard of professional performance. At all times, a member should uphold confidentiality and act with intelligence, dedication, and ebullience. A member is required to fulfill the obligation in order to continually advance and extend personal professional qualification. Sharing the professional competence with colleagues and clients is also a requirement meant to enlarge and carry on development of the profession.
The code of ethics requires members to support the objectives of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Members should also take part in its development through informed, active participation in its programs. Extending public cognizance and understanding of the profession is also a duty of the members as required by the profession. As a focus for professional efforts, the code of ethics requires members to maintain a dedication of enhancing individual and family potential.
Since its inception in 1938, National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) has linked multi-disciplinary family professionals by providing journals, conferences, state affiliate councils, and special interest sections. NCFR is non-profit organization, nonpartisan and fully funded by members. From all family fields and disciplines researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers are able to share knowledge and information about families.
NCFR professional code of ethics provides guidelines when professionals find challenging and difficult ethical dilemmas. They also serve notice to the public, and profession....
They help to identify the principles and values that will guide decision making under difficult circumstances. The ethical principles are basically standards of conduct in which Family Life Educators consider in ethical and professional decision making.
The Code of Ethics of the American Association of Family are basically the principles intended to help members of the association individually and collectively while NCFR professional code of ethics provides guidelines when professionals find challenging and difficult ethical situations. In both cases they aid in maintaining a distinguished level of ethical conduct for professionals.
In my profession these codes of ethics will help me while dealing with parents, children, colleagues and the community. While dealing with parents, I will be aware of the impact we have on them and family relations. I will also treat children and youth with respect and sensitivity that they deserve. This will be accordance to their needs and rights as developing persons. I will appreciate and promote diversity in staff and colleagues. I will not be ignorant about community resources. I will also make and accept informed, appropriate referrals.
Reference
American Association of Family and Consumer Services, AAFCS/CFC National Examination Candidate Information, (2004) Bulletin Texas Teacher Certification Version
National Council on Family Relations, a Guide to Family Life Educators Code of Ethics, (2010).www.ncfr.org
The Minnesota Council on Family Relations (MCFR), Ethical Thinking and Practice for Parent and Family Life Educators (2009) Minneapolis: Minnesota Council on Family Relations.
