YPA Code of Ethics

The work of Youth Peer Advocates (YPA) is rooted in the values of Youth-Guided practice and Family-Driven Care, as well as the Principles of the Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP). The work of the YPA supports the belief that young people must have a meaningful voice and a primary decision making role in their care. Young people should also have a role in designing and evaluating services and developing the policies and procedures governing the care of all young people in their community, state, tribe, territory and nation. The concepts of empowerment, recovery, and resiliency are central to the work of YPAs. As peers, YPAs use their personal lived experience and training to inspire hope and empower young people to have voice and choice in their care and treatment. YPAs focus on strengths and needs, assist young people in setting priorities and goals, provide information, and help young people navigate multiple complex service systems. YPAs support young people to strengthen their connections to community resources and their natural supports. YPAs work in collaboration with clinicians and other service providers to enhance engagement and partnership in order to improve both the experience and outcomes for young people.

This code of ethics is intended to serve as a guide to the professional conduct of YPAs. It offers principles to guide conduct in situations that have ethical implications.

Code of Ethics Training for Youth Peer Advocates 

The Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) Code of Ethics establishes clear standards of conduct, facilitates ethical decision making and fosters accountability. The objective of this webinar is to explore the YPA Code of Ethics to support YPAs in meeting the highest standards of ethical practice. You will consider the ethical and professional principles that guides the work of YPAs. You will examine policies, procedures and best practices for the Youth Peer Advocate workforce. By the end of this offering, YPAs will be equipped with the knowledge to uphold the Code of Ethics, thereby fostering an environment of integrity and ethical conduct in their work with youth and families.

Code of Ethics and Disciplinary Policies and Procedures 

The Code of Ethics and Disciplinary Policies and Procedures are established to uphold the highest standards of professionalism among credentialed Youth Peer Advocates, ensuring that their work is guided by the principles of youth and family-driven care, empowerment, and cultural humility. It affirms that the primary responsibility of Youth Peer Advocates is to foster the well-being of youth/young adults through advocacy, hope, and non-judgmental support, rooted in lived experience. The Code of Ethics provides clear expectations around confidentiality, informed consent, professional boundaries, and conflict resolution, while emphasizing ongoing competence, integrity, and respectful collaboration across service systems. It further outlines a fair and transparent process for addressing ethical concerns—detailing investigation procedures, appeal rights, and sanctions—to both protect youth/young adults and assist advocates in professional growth and accountability. Ultimately, these policies are designed to promote ethical conduct, safeguard families’ interests, and strengthen the trust and effectiveness of the Youth Peer Advocate credential.

Persons wishing to file a complaint against a Provisionally or Professionally Credentialed Youth Peer Advocate may do so by completing the Code of Ethics Violation Complaint Form, including supporting documentation (see page 4).