Staff Tool 13 Ethical considerations In addition to ensuring access to play, there are ethical considerations, to ensuring that assistance offered is positive for children and their families. It is important that we understand our role – if it has not been explained properly, it’s important to ask a manager or supervisor. Be clear of the motives for getting involved It is important for anyone thinking about supporting children and families in situations crisis to identify what is their motivation for doing so. Involvement should not be based on boredom, bad relationships at home or work, curiosity, avoidance of issues in one’s life, a wish to get media attention. These needs must be addressed in other, more direct ways. Exercise self-care Find ways to self-monitor so that the approach taken makes interventions effective, and not damaging. Keeping journals, having conversations with other volunteers, and Internet or telephone contact with trusted colleagues or family members can provide opportunities to reflect.
Seek necessary skills The nature of crisis work may falsely lead professionals to the idea that in an emergency, those available should offer whatever they can. However, in the instance of children’s play, staff and volunteers must be open to undertaking training and guidance from mentors to ensure children’s needs are met. Be aware and respectful of cultural issues It is likely that cultural diversity will be a factor in most situations of crisis. Where possible, it is important to utilise the skills of other staff or local people to add necessary skill and knowledge to working with an unfamiliar culture. Receiving and giving gifts Great care should be taken in offering gifts. If possible, gifts should be given as resources to be used within activities and programmes, fairly and without discrimination. Gifts should not be given to individual children nor favouritism shown. Gifts should not be given to create photo opportunities. Children may come to expect gifts in exchange for taking part in programmes or activities and gifts can become a form of currency or cause of unnecessary tension. Families living in situations of crisis may be very grateful for help and support and they may want to show this. They may not have a lot, but there may be a desire to share what they do have with staff. Think through in advance how you will respond and follow organisational or professional guidance if available.
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Staff section
Try to get physical exercise, rest, and a healthy diet as part of the daily routine.
SECTION 2
Look after health and wellbeing
