The Nine Tenets of the Code of Ethics

Direct Support Professional

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Direct Support Professionals (DSP) are partners with our residents to achieve a more self-determined, diverse, and enriched life. Residents are more likely to fulfill their life goals if they have caring, knowledgeable, and skilled staff by their side that promote continued growth.  

 

DSP’s are called upon to make independent judgment calls on a daily basis that involve both practical and ethical reasoning. DSP’s must utilize values, knowledge and skills, as well as creative solutions and effective communication, to assist them in the complex work they perform.

 

1. Person-Centered Supports
As a DSP, my first allegiance is to the person I support; all other activities and functions I perform flow from this allegiance.

                         

2. Promoting Physical and Emotional Well-Being
As a DSP, I will commit to provide the emotional, physical, and personal well-being of the people I support. I will encourage growth and recognize the autonomy of the people I support while being attentive and energetic in reducing their risk of harm.

 

3. Integrity and Responsibility
As a DSP, I will support the mission and vitality of my profession to assist people in leading self-directed lives and to foster a spirit of partnership with the people I support, other professionals, and the community.

 

4. Confidentiality
As a DSP, I will safeguard and respect the confidentiality and privacy of the people I support.

 

5. Justice, Fairness and Equity
As a DSP, I will affirm the human rights as well as the civil rights of the people I support. I will promote and practice justice, fairness, and equity for the people I support and the community as a whole.

 

6. Respect
As a DSP, I will respect the human dignity and uniqueness of the people I support. I will recognize each person I support as valuable and promote their value within communities.

 

7. Relationships
As a DSP, I will assist the people I support to develop and maintain relationships.

 

8. Self-Determination
As a DSP, I will assist the people I support to direct the course of their own lives.

 

9. Advocacy
As a DSP, I will advocate with the people I support for justice, inclusion, and full community participation.

 

Formally adopted by the NADSP Board of Directors

    April 12, 2016