Policies

MEMBERSHIP POLICIES

ARTA currently has four membership types which will suit trained (or training) Recreational Therapists or Recreational Therapy Assistants/ Lifestyle Coordinators/ Activity Officers. Many years of deliberation, consultation and research by successive Board’s, ARTA members and other stakeholders have gone into the establishment of these Membership types – and there will be further developments in the future no doubt as the profession grows and changes into the future. Simple Policy documents have been developed around each of these membership types.

OTHER POLICIES

ARTA develops policies on all areas of operation of the organisation and RT practice. These are created and updated regularly.

Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)

ARTA invites organisations and associations of particular interest and like-mindedness to formalise our relationship in a spirit of sharing and goodwill by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ARTA.

Currently MOUs with these organisations are held by ARTA:

Diversional Therapy Association of Japan
Migrant Resource Centre (Southern Tasmania) Inc
New Zealand Society of Diversional Therapists Inc
The Humour Foundation

Have a question? Contact the office link to enquiries@recreationaltherapy.au or phone 02 9887 5035

PURPOSE OF THE CODE OF ETHICS

This code of ethics has a regulatory function but also provides guidelines for ethical behaviour and decision-making with respect to professional conduct, research, education and publishing.

THE STATEMENT

The recreational therapist shall:

• Have a commitment to the philosophy of recreational therapy practice.
  • Have a knowledge and understanding of the philosophy of recreational therapy.
  • Fully appreciate and understand the concepts of facilitation, leisure, recreation, disability and wellbeing within recreational therapy practice.
• Commit to ongoing professional development through practice, education, research and publishing.
  • Develop, maintain and evaluate quality practice.
  • Continually update and improve professional knowledge and skills applicable to recreational therapy.
  • Instigate and recognise the value of research and publishing.
  • Wherever practicable co-operate and be involved in research projects.
  • Understand and be aware of the ethical implications in practice, research and publishing.
• Have a commitment to the Australian Recreational Therapy Association.
  • Support fellow members of the profession, including recreational therapy students.
  • Have a responsibility to contribute to the continuing development of the profession.
• At all times maintain the highest standards of professional competence and conduct for recreational therapists.
  • Recognise the extent and limitations of their professional expertise and personally undertake only those activities, which are within their area of competence.
  • Use skills competently and effectively for the benefit of the individual client and the community.
  • Initiate all practice decisions on adequate and accurate professional knowledge and self-awareness.
  • Be accountable at all times for their own professional decisions.
  • Maintain a high standard of personal conduct. Recreational therapists shall not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance, which adversely affects the performance of their duties.
  • Practice integrity in all working relationships.
• Maintain confidentiality, loyalty and integrity in all verbal and written communications concerning clients, employers, fellow workers and the Australian Recreational Therapy Association. Confidential information regarding client information should only be communicated in the context of liaising with other professionals.
  • Protect the anonymity and privacy of personal information used in relation to practice, education, research and publishing and ensure that informed consent is obtained where applicable.
  • Records, in all forms (print and electronic), shall be protected in such a way that unauthorised personnel cannot access them.
• Aim to provide optimum quality of service, which is client-focused.
  • The services provided will meet the specific needs of individual clients, through client-centred practice.
• Value the uniqueness of each client and respect individual differences, needs, values and cultures.
  • Provide services without discrimination. No client shall be compromised because of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual preference, beliefs, economic, social or health status or disability.
• Respect the rights of clients to make informed choices empowering them to maintain independence and self-direction.
  • Allow client to be responsible for choosing his or her own recreation.
  • Allow clients the “dignity of risk” in choice of activity, with the knowledge that success for the client cannot always be guaranteed.
• Notify the appropriate authorities of any breach of ethical standards by any member of the profession.

BREACH OF CODE OF ETHICS

Any breach of this code by a member of the Australian Recreational Therapy Association brought to the notice of the Board shall be dealt with under the rules of the Constitution. Members may be disciplined under the terms set out in the Constitution. (N.B. The rules allow for, after due process, the suspension or expulsion of members).