Frontline Initiative Ethics

In this issue of Frontline Initiative we cover the important topic of ethics. We hope that you are challenged to think about the foundation of ethical behavior, standards for ethical professional behavior, and how you can practice ethical direct supports each and every day.

The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) has completed its work on developing a Code of Ethics for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). You will find the complete code in this issue of FI. We want the Code to become a point of discussion for you and your co-workers, supervisors, the people you support and their families.

Our next issue will talk about the changing roles of DSPs. As services become more and more individualized, the roles and expectations of DSPs are becoming more varied, more complex, and more isolated. The “changing roles” issue will, for example, feature DSPs who are employed directly by the people they support.

The late Fall issue will focus on public policy and legislative advocacy. We are looking for DSPs who have participated in some way in changing public policy through lobbying or testifying in hearings. If this describes you, contact us to share your experience. Enjoy your summer!