Online Counselling Code of Ethics

1. A peer counsellor will examine and evaluate human ideologies and counselling theories and tools according to their consistency with the Bible and personal conscience, as enlightened by the Holy Spirit.
   
   
2. A peer counsellor will be non-judgmental and will not discriminate against any client on the basis of race, religion, creed, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, lifestyle or other arbitrary circumstances.
   
   
3. A peer counsellor will respect the intrinsic worth of all persons whom we have the opportunity to serve.
   
   
4. A peer counsellor will maintain the highest standard of honesty and integrity in fulfilling responsibilities, and will not knowingly misrepresent our services to a client, agency, or any other individual.
   
   
5. A peer counsellor will endeavour to be in a safe, private setting for online counselling.
   
   
6. A peer counsellor will not provide or assist in arranging abortions or abortifacients.
   
   
7. A peer counsellor will not provide, recommend or refer clients for contraceptives.
   
   
8. A peer counsellor will treat an individual who chooses to pursue an abortion or who has had an abortion, with dignity, respect and compassion.
   
   
9. A peer counsellor will not provide names of individuals seeking adoption to a client considering an adoption plan.
   
   
10. A peer counsellor will protect client confidentiality and will not release identifying information verbally or in writing without the client’s permission except if there is a threat of suicide, homicide or suspected child abuse or when required by law.
    
    
11. A peer counsellor will not maintain hard copies of client messages.
    
    
12. A peer counsellor will not release personal, identifying details to a client.
    
    
13. A peer counsellor will reassign a message if he or she does not have the appropriate skill level to provide the requested help to the client.