Description:
This interactive workshop invites participants to explore the Youth Work Code of Ethics (WA) through real-world scenarios, reflective dialogue, and practice-based tools. It aims to deepen participants’ understanding of ethical principles that guide youth work in Western Australia and support them in applying these principles meaningfully in their everyday roles. Using both the organisational and young person-facing posters developed by Youth Work WA, this session will break down the Code of Ethic’s key element. These include putting young people first, respecting cultural identity, maintaining boundaries, and upholding professional integrity. Participants will have opportunities to reflect on ethical tensions and identify strategies for ethical decision-making in complex youth work environments. Participants will: • Build confidence in using the revised Youth Work Code of Ethics in practice • Develop strategies for navigating ethical dilemmas with integrity • Strengthen understanding of youth-centred, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed approaches • Explore tools to embed ethical reflection into everyday work.
Presenter Bio:
Sal Cleveray
Sal (she/they) is a Program Lead at PCYC, overseeing the organisation’s individualised programs across the State. They have been a youth worker for over 17 years in both WA and Queensland, supporting young people experiencing multiple system barriers and complex needs, including homelessness, involvement in the statutory systems, and co-occurring mental health and AOD concerns. Sal is also the Chairperson of the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia (YACWA), the peak body for the youth sector and driver of advocacy and policy development, as well as sitting on the WA State Committee for Suicide Prevention Australia.
Zach Gibson has been in Youth Work for more than 15 years, in areas including lecturing/academia, community development, outreach, business psychology and Boorloo’s DIY punk/hardcore scene.
His work has centred on the privilege of working alongside young people, focusing on aspects of belonging, ethics and social justice.
Zach is a co-opted member of Youth Work WA, as part of his ongoing desire for a more equitable and transparent youth sector through the ongoing evolution of the Code of Ethics.
