Code of Ethics
The Yfoundations Member Code of Ethics sets out the ethical principles Yfoundations endorses and the standards that are expected of its members. As members of Yfoundations, we expect you to act in an ethical manner in line with your organisation's code of conduct whilst upholding Yfoundations' Member Code of Ethics. When signing up as a member, your organisation and employees of your organisation will agree to the following:
Every Member of Yfoundations shall always, when acting in their capacity as a member, employee, or volunteer in a community organisation:
- pursue as their highest priority the fulfilment of the mission, values and ethics of their organisation
- promote the interests of the organisation itself
- consider the interests of the organisation's stakeholders, its clients, its consumers, its employees, and the society and environment in which it operates
- operate within a child-safe environment and in the best interests of young people.
As a member of Yfoundations you:
- will interact honestly, respectfully and in fairness, placing the interests of others before your own when participating in events, online or in forums hosted by Yfoundations
- will work within the law and within the rules
- will adhere to the Child Safe Standards, keeping all children and vulnerable people safe from harm to the best of your ability
- will not knowingly plagiarise or steal proprietary information belonging to another entity for your personal or professional gain
- shall not condone or practice sexual harassment nor discriminate against others on the basis of religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, national origin, age, political affiliation or physical abilities
- will conduct yourself in such fashion as to be a credit to Yfoundations, your organisation and the homelessness sector
- will oppose and discourage any untrue, unsupported and/or exaggerated statements against the homelessness sector
- will strive to increase the competence and prestige of the social services profession whilst abiding by your qualification’s ethical guidelines
- will disclose any business connections, interests or circumstances that may influence professional judgement or services, which could result in a potential conflict of interest between Yfoundations and a member organisation (example: working for a government department)
- shall not disclose, directly or indirectly, information concerning the business affairs of an employer, client or associate in any way or which identifies them, without their consent
- shall not divulge information given to you in confidence
- shall not attempt, either falsely or maliciously, to injure the reputation, organisation and/or employee/s of Yfoundations or any other member, whether individual or corporate
- shall not offer, give or accept any gifts, favours, monies, or services that might unduly influence proper process or could be considered unethical or illegal
- shall not disclose the business affairs and financial status of another member
- shall refrain from plagiarism in oral and/or written communications, and not knowingly accept credit rightfully due to another person or entity
- having positive knowledge of a violation of this Code of Ethics by another member, shall bring such action to the attention of Yfoundations' Board of Directors.
Yfoundations Members shall uphold this Code of Ethics by action and example, and shall encourage other members to do the same.
Alleged violations are to be reported to the Yfoundations Board of Directors, who will handle any complaints.
As a member, by accepting the code of ethics, you confirm you have read, understood and agree to the above ethical standards.
The member acknowledges that if the ethical standards of conduct are breached, the Yfoundations Board of Directors has a right to suspend, decline or terminate membership in line with our Constitution and Policies.
Any questions pertaining to the content of the code of ethics can be directed to the Chief Executive Officer of Yfoundations [email protected].
Objetives of Organisation
Yfoundations is established to be a not-for-profit charitable institution with the principal aims of creating a future without youth homelessness and:
(i) acting as an advocate for, and facilitator of, holistic structural and systemic change that achieves improved wellbeing and living situations for children and young people (aged 12 to 25) who are disadvantaged, homeless or at risk of homelessness by working on the public policies and practices which impact on the multiple pathways into and out of homelessness, including: family breakdown, safety, family violence, domestic violence, health and wellbeing, isolation and disconnection from community, poverty and social disadvantage and access to housing, income, employment and education;
(ii) providing indirect assistance and support to children and young people who are disadvantaged, homeless or at risk of homelessness to improve their life situations and opportunities and their families where appropriate; and
(iii) providing direct assistance and support to services that work with children and young people and to young people who are disadvantaged, homeless or at risk of homelessness and their families where appropriate,
by undertaking activities which include (but are not limited to):
(iv) promoting debate, discussion, provide and disseminate information, to participate in policy analysis, evaluation and consultation in all facets or activities in relation to youth homelessness and other youth disadvantage;
(v) providing a forum for non-Government agencies and other relevant individuals and Government bodies concerned with the problems of youth homelessness, the provision of and coordination of activities related to youth housing and youth support and family support;
(vi) assisting in building a strong, progressive service sector infrastructure that delivers quality services by providing a mechanism for support, resourcing and facilitating access to training for member services and other relevant individuals and agencies working in the area of youth homelessness;
(vii) providing a forum for the development of relevant policies, proposals and projects in the area of youth homelessness and other social disadvantage for the organisation;
(viii) identifying strategies and solutions to youth homelessness and to other social disadvantage and to seek to influence key Government policies, procedures and programs that relate to our priority social issues;
(ix) advocating for children and young people who are disadvantaged, homeless or at risk of homelessness (and their families where appropriate) to ensure that their needs and issues are considered by all levels of Government and other bodies in the development and implementation of policies, procedures and programs;
(x) working with all levels of Government and other relevant bodies for improved responses to address the social problems facing children and young people who are disadvantaged, homeless or at risk of homelessness and their families through lobbying, negotiation, representations, advice and cooperation and suggestions for solutions;
(xi) facilitating and help coordinate action in the community and encourage a unified approach to intervening and overcoming the problems of youth homelessness and other youth social disadvantage;
(xii) participating in community education and stimulate community awareness and improve understanding about the needs and problems experienced by young homeless people and their families where appropriate as well as the strategies and solutions to the problems
(xiii) promoting and undertaking research into all issues for children and young people who are disadvantaged, homeless or at risk of homelessness; and
(xiv) doing any other things necessary and helpful to promote these objects.
Levels of Membership
Organisational Membership
Organisational membership is open to organisations that provide direct services to children and young people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness and want to support and shape our advocacy and campaign work. Organisational members can contribute to and vote on policy directions, governance and our strategic direction. Organisational members are eligible to be voted onto the board of management.
Associate/Affiliate Membership
Associate/Affiliate membership is open to organisations that are concerned with the provision of youth housing and support services for children and young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Associate/Affiliate members can contribute to and vote on policy directions, governance and our strategic direction. Associate members are not eligible to be voted onto the board of management.
Individual Membership
Individual membership is open to individuals who work with people experiencing homelessness, are children or young people, or are concerned with youth homelessness in Australia. Individual members can contribute to and vote on our policy directions. Individual members are eligible to be voted onto the board of management.
As a member, you can actively participate in our work to create a future without youth homelessness.
layout_id = footer_newsletter_signup_banner
Sign-up to receive our newsletters
Stay informed about what’s happening in the NSW youth homelessness sector, latest jobs, and upcoming events and training opportunities.