Child Life Code of Ethics

Certified Child Life Specialists subscribe to a body of ethical principles which are in accordance with the Association of Child Life Professionals’ Child Life Mission, Values, and Vision Statements and Operating Principles and which are derived primarily for the benefit and protection of children (unless modified, children refers to infants, children and youth), and families in settings where the potential for damaging stress or trauma exists.

Certified Child Life Specialists recognize that they are ethically responsible to: (1) children; (2) other professionals; (3) staff, students and volunteers who are receiving training and supervision; and (4) themselves, both personally and professionally.

It is understood that ethical behavior should not result from edict but from a personal commitment on the part of the individual as a professional. In any situation, the course of action chosen is expected to be consistent with the ethical principles either stated or implied herein.

All those providing child life services (including specialists, administrators, assistants, interns and students) share as a goal:

(1) maximizing the physical and emotional health as well as the social, cognitive and developmental abilities of children, and (2) minimizing the potential stress and trauma that children and their families may experience. These goals are best accomplished by adhering to this code of ethics.