Play Therapy Practitioners Association prides itself on the professionalism and ability of its Board and Professional members to meet community needs. The association strives to be a peak body in the Play Therapy community throughout Australia.

This Code of Conduct is designed to ensure that all Board and Professional members, members of the public and Stakeholders are treated in a manner that reflects the mission, culture and legal obligations of the Play Therapy Practitioners Association (PTPA).

For play therapy to be recognised as the preferred method for supporting children and young people therapeutically. For practitioners in the community to be able to qualify as play therapists and to allow for the growth and establishment of the profession in Australia.

PTPA is a registered not for profit association. Open to professionals with an interest in play therapy, PTPA’s mission is to promote play therapy and its benefits throughout Australia. PTPA will promote play therapy through education, promotion of quality professional practices and utilisation of play therapy practices to support children. PTPA will create an inclusive community for play therapy practitioners empowering members through education and advocacy for play therapy.

Board and Professional members must adhere to the Play Therapy Practitioners Association Code of Conduct which reflects expected behaviour and is designed to encourage integrity and professionalism.

If a Professional or Board member breaches the following guidelines, disciplinary action may be taken in line with the Constitution. If the breach of conduct is of a legal nature, it will be addressed in accordance with relevant Federal, State or Local government laws.

Compliance

Board members and professional members will:

• maintain a high degree of ethics, integrity, honesty and professionalism
• act in accordance with Federal, State and Local laws and regulations, and relevant legislative requirements
• make decisions fairly, impartially and promptly considering all available information, legislation, plans, policies and procedures
• interact with other PTPA members, members of the public and stakeholders of PTPA with respect, courtesy, honesty and fairness, and have due regard for their interests, rights, safety and welfare
• not harass, bully or discriminate against PTPA members, members of the public or PTPA stakeholders
• contribute to a harmonious, safe and productive organisational environment in all meetings, and in professional relationships
• fulfil the objects of PTPA as set out in the Constitution, and all statutory requirements of an Incorporated institution.
• not engage in fraud, corruption or any behaviour that results in material gain for themselves or others
• report any fraudulent or corrupt behaviour by other Board or Professional members and;
• report any breaches of the code of conduct by other Board or Professional members

Compliance

Board members and professional members will:

• Keep confidential, private and securely store all information and documents acquired through work with PTPA and take reasonable steps to ensure this material is kept secure against:
  • loss
  • unauthorised access
  • use
  • modification or disclosure
  • misuse

*other than where documents or information are in the public domain

• Use personal information only for the purposes for which it was collected. Do not disclose personal information to another party unless the individual is aware of, or has consented to, the disclosure.
• Adhere to the provisions of Federal, State and Local laws and regulations, and relevant legislative requirements

Board members and professional members will

• remain aware of the potential for conflicts of interest and ensure their personal, professional or financial interests do not conflict with their ability to perform PTPA roles and tasks in a professional and objective manner, or their selection to perform roles and tasks for PTPA
• exercise unbiased judgement and professional discretion to declare and manage any conflict which may arise
• ensure any conflicts of interest that arise are managed in the interest of PTPA, its members, stakeholders and the public.
• Should any concerns regarding the conduct of a PTPA member in relation to the above Code of Conduct be identified, please find the link here to our PTPA Complaints Policy and Procedure to obtain information regarding the process of how to make a complaint and how investigations are undertaken.

The Secretary on the PTPA Board is responsible for making the Code of Conduct available to new members of the Board and new Professional members.

Approved By: PTPA Board
Approval Date: 7/03/2023
Version No. 2
Review Date: 7/03/2024