CODE OF ETHICS
As Traumatologists providing service to the public we are committed to the following ethical principles in our work with individuals, groups and communities who experience trauma in its many forms. In addition, we have a dedication to each other as a supportive collegial network respecting all our levels of experience and training.
Principle I: Respect for the Dignity of Persons - As trauma responders, we have an abiding respect for individuals who are experiencing devastating traumatic events in their lives. We are committed to recognizing the inherent dignity that people possess, with all the personal, social, spiritual and cultural diversity present in our society. We make every effort to provide interventions with respect to the dignity of those we serve as a primary ethical commitment. It is not our right to judge others, but rather assist them to understand, and ultimately come to terms with, the devastating events they have experienced. We are dedicated to helping individuals, groups, and communities build on their unique strengths, to help enhance their coping skills, and, in the best possible time, to encourage their strengths so that they can become self-reliant and independent.
Principle II: Responsible Caring - Traumatologists listed on TraumaLine1 are dedicated at all times to approaches that are caring, compassionate, and positive. This commitment requires a dedicated sense of responsibility to those we serve. The requirements and interests of others are paramount in our work. We have an essential commitment to extend our caring to colleagues and ourselves. We support our colleagues in their work and interventions and are available as involved colleagues when our own members need help. Our dedication is to a collegial atmosphere of nonjudgmental support for our colleagues. We ensure that we remain personally healthy as trauma responders, and contribute in supportive ways to our own well-being as we intervene and provide interventions. We are committed to engage in proactive self-care and ongoing support and education. Whether we are individual trauma counselors, part of a peer debriefing team, members of a community disaster response team, or members of a victim assistance group, we are committed to being available and providing cooperative support and help with issues of personal stress associated with trauma interventions and counseling. We engage in mutual support and continuing education in all the appropriate areas of trauma response, not only to remain current and enhance our training but also to ensure that our interventions are appropriate and up to date, and that we are engaged in healthy self-care.
Principle III: Integrity in Relationships - TraumaLine1 Traumatologists are dedicated to a strong sense of integrity in the relationships we develop with the traumatized individuals and groups to whom we provide interventions, including ourselves. As trauma responders we have a duty to be forthright in all our actions and behavior. It is our responsibility to ensure that we present accurately in terms of our competence in training, knowledge and credentials. We are not to misrepresent qualifications and levels of competence. We make every effort to extend respect to others, at all levels in our society, and with any organization. We ensure that the right of confidentiality and privacy is actively maintained for those we serve. We have a positive attitude about the well-being of others to the point where we are confident that our interventions "do no harm," as we engage in providing help and interventions. We hold fast to the Commitment of Confidentiality as a guiding principle in the interventions we provide. We are not afraid to indicate that we do not have all the answers and we are open and willing to learn. We ensure that we refer traumatized individuals to the appropriate resources, providing ongoing liaison support for those who need it until additional support can be obtained. We avoid, and exercise due caution whenever we find ourselves in, dual relationships with victims of trauma or those needing interventions. For example, we refer family members and personal friends to colleagues rather than provide interventions ourselves. Within organizations we ensure confidentiality for those we help and do not engage in practices that interfere with their right to privacy, respect and dignity.
Principle IV: Responsibility to Society - TraumaLine1 was founded on the belief that as Traumatologists we are committed to responding to the needs of society at all levels, from individual events to the needs of traumatized groups and communities. In addition, we are committed to meeting the needs of our members in the areas of continuing education. Our ethical goal is a strong commitment to a mutually supportive group of colleagues who can bring trauma response skills and intervention strategies to people all over the world, as the need arises; with a sense of responsibility to the people we wish to serve. Each of us has something to contribute and provide in the area of interventions. Around the world, people experience trauma in all its forms. As Traumatologists responding to traumatic events, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of our Society in a forthright ethical manner. As Traumatologists, we dedicate our responses to providing appropriate support for individuals and community, to enhance the social fabric, and for the ultimate good of the societies in which we live as well as those around the world.
Principle V: Disclaimer of Liability - I am applying for registration as a trauma care professional on TraumaLine1. I understand that listing my services on TraumaLine1 means that I have fulfilled the requirements necessary to provide competent Trauma care services. I also understand that certification in no way implies that the Traumatology Institute, TraumaLine1, Dr. Anna B. Baranowsky or any of her affiliates are liable for my actions in delivering trauma-related care services.
Principle VI: Signature - I have completed this application accurately and truthfully, to the best of my knowledge. I have read the TraumaLine1 Code of Ethics and agree to abide by its principles in my work as a Trauma Therapist or service provider. I have read the Disclaimer of Liability and agree to it.
