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The Windermere Valley Youth Centre Society operates under a strict Code of Ethics and Mandate that outlines its commitment to the well-being and development of all youth who access its services. This code serves as a guiding principle for all staff, volunteers, and operations.

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Primary Obligation: Our foremost goal and primary obligation is to the youth who access any service provided by the Youth Centre. We are committed to conducting ourselves with the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and fairness in all our interactions.

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Commitment to Nonviolence: We are deeply committed to nonviolence in all its forms and will actively strive to promote the elimination of all kinds of violence—both verbal and physical—among the youth we serve. We aim to foster an environment where peaceful communication and conflict resolution are encouraged.

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Confidentiality: We will maintain strict confidentiality in our dealings with youth and any information they entrust to us. This commitment to privacy is paramount to building trust. However, this confidentiality is not absolute. In cases where the safety or well-being of the youth becomes a concern, such as credible threats of self-harm (suicide) or harm to others, or disclosures of abuse (to or from the youth), we are legally and ethically obligated to report this information to the appropriate authorities in accordance with mandated reporting guidelines and Centre policy.

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Safety and Well-being First: It is our first priority to act in a manner that consistently recognizes and ensures the safety and well-being of the youth. We will actively encourage youth confidence and responsibility, empowering them to make positive choices. We will respect the youth's right to express themselves freely within established boundaries of safety and decency, meaning that vandalism, foul language, or threats of violence are not tolerated.

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Non-Discrimination: We are committed to providing an inclusive environment and will not discriminate against any youth regardless of their age, race, religious belief, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, or socio-economic status. Every young person will be treated with equal respect and dignity.

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Behavioral Guidelines (Three-Strikes Policy): To maintain a safe and respectful environment, the Centre operates under a "three-strikes policy" for behavioral infractions. This policy allows for youth to be forgiven for mistakes in judgment on two occasions. On the third occasion of a significant behavioral violation, the Centre is resolved to take appropriate action, as determined by the Board of Directors, which may include temporary suspension or other measures.

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Respect for Personal Beliefs: We will not impose our personal beliefs, values, or opinions on the youth. Instead, we are committed to providing youth with accurate, unbiased information and resources regarding a wide range of topics, including but not limited to beliefs, education, employment opportunities, and all areas of personal health. This includes providing factual information and support concerning sensitive issues such as abuse, rape, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), eating disorders, or mental health, always connecting them with appropriate professional services when necessary.

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