Values are beliefs about preferred outcomes or modes of conduct that are guides to behavior. Ethical frameworks and codes that guide practice in both the youth and AOD sectors are expressions of industry wide values and commitments (see attached documents).
How values are enacted and commitments pursued by organisations and practitioners have a bearing on how effective services are in assisting young people, particularly those with substance use related problems. Values and commitments reflect aspirations that are not always achieved and need to be interpreted in the real world contexts. This creates considerable tensions for values-oriented practitioners and organisations that can only be properly resolved through critical reflection, dialougue and processes that promote ongoing practice improvement.
Organisations and practitioners are defined by what they value and to what they are committed. While there is variation between organisations and practitioners, six values and commitments identified are commonly shared across the youth AOD field in Australia. High quality youth AOD services are committed to:
