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Good Samaritans
Ethical Standards of Volunteers Providing Services

Good Samaritans volunteers believe in the dignity and worth of the individual human being. They protect the welfare and confidence of any person who seeks their help. They do not use their volunteer positions or relationships, nor do they knowingly permit themselves to be used by others, for purposes inconsistent with these principles.

Principle 1—Responsibility: The volunteer, committed to an increasing understanding of humankind, places high value on integrity and maintains high standards.

Principle 2—Competence: The volunteer maintains high standards of competence in the interest of public service and of volunteerism.

Principle 3—Moral and Legal Standards: The volunteer shows sensible regard for the social codes and moral expectations of the community, recognizing that violations of accepted moral and legal standards on his or her part may involve others in damaging personal conflicts, and impugn his or her own name and the reputation of volunteerism.

Principle 4—Confidentiality: The volunteer realizes the sensitive nature of the material involved in this work and the trust that the victim or caller has placed in the volunteer. It is of utmost importance to sustain this trust by respecting the victim's rights to privacy and confidentiality. However, confidentiality will be waived in the case of suspected elder abuse or child abuse, which must be reported to law enforcement officials to protect victims. Otherwise, information should only be released with the expressed, explicit permission of the consumer. This is the cornerstone of the helping relationship.

I have read and understand the Ethical Standards of the Good Samaritans, and I agree to abide by these standards.

Signature __________________________________ Date_________________