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Topic 1: What Are Ethics?

Defining Ethics in Peer Recovery Support:

Ethics refer to a set of moral principles and guidelines that govern behavior within a specific profession. In peer recovery support, ethical guidelines ensure that our services remain professional, respectful, and beneficial to those we serve.

Ethics help us answer important questions such as:

  • What is right or wrong in a given situation?
  • How do we ensure we’re acting in the best interest of the people we serve?
  • How do we balance our personal experiences with professional responsibilities?

In peer recovery work, ethics ensure that our services remain person-centered, trauma-informed, voluntary, and respectful of multiple recovery pathways. They help us build trust while maintaining professional boundaries.

Calls to Action Poll

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Peer mentor training
Group facilitator training
Crisis responder training
Toolkits or educational resources
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Templates for operations (e.g., reports, outreach plans)
Apps for scheduling, communication, or service delivery
Centralized platforms or systems to manage services
Tech literacy and support for RCO staff/volunteers
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Public education materials about recovery
Anti-stigma messaging and campaigns
Community presentations or media outreach
Engagement with schools, employers, and faith-based organizations
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Transitional or supportive housing models
Second-chance hiring programs
Job training and resume support
Partnerships with local employers
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Volunteer recruitment and engagement
Matching professional skills (e.g., legal, marketing) with org needs
Platform or system to manage and track volunteer involvement
Training and orientation tools for volunteers