Our core values and principles
We advocate the delivery of services within a framework of nationally agreed values, core principles and standards, which Youth Access members agree to abide by in their work.
Youth Access believes services must:
- Recognise and value individual differences
- Recognise and be sensitive to the growing autonomy of each young person
- Respect every young person's right to be a voluntary participant in any helping process
- Recognise the potential of each young person.
Statement of Core Principles
- Young people are central to the service and member agencies are committed to responding to their needs.
- Member agencies believe that young people have a right of access to quality information, advice and counselling services.
- The basis on which young people are able to make use of a service is made clear to each of them individually and a contract is agreed where appropriate.
- Member agencies of Youth Access aim to empower young people and treat them with respect based on an understanding of their individual culture and background.
- In all aspects of their work, member agencies of Youth Access aim to counter the oppression and discrimination faced by young people.
- Member agencies of Youth Access are working towards equality of access for all young people for whom their service is designed.
- Member agencies of Youth Access take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and well being of young people and workers in an agency.
- Member agencies of Youth Access are committed to ensuring their workers are competent to perform the range and depth of duties offered by the agency and provide a framework for staff development that includes support, supervision and training.
- Member agencies of Youth Access are committed to establishing and maintaining procedures for monitoring and evaluating the service they provide.