IACAET Code of Ethics

International Association for Creative Arts in Education and Therapy (IACAET)

IACAET Code of Ethics

Version 2.1

August 2026

Preamble

The International Association for Creative Arts in Education and Therapy (IACAET) is committed to promoting ethical, professional, culturally responsive, and socially responsible practice in the fields of creative arts education, creative arts therapy, health, community arts, and related disciplines.

This Code of Ethics establishes the ethical principles and professional expectations that guide the conduct of individuals holding IACAET professional credentials. It reflects IACAET’s commitment to respect, integrity, professionalism, inclusion, accountability, and the responsible use of arts-based practices.

The Code serves as a framework for ethical decision-making rather than a comprehensive list of rules for every situation. Credential holders are expected to apply these principles thoughtfully and in good faith, exercising professional judgment within the context of their professional roles, cultural settings, legal jurisdictions, and areas of practice. In doing so, they should uphold the dignity, rights, wellbeing, and autonomy of those they serve while maintaining professional integrity, accountability, cultural humility, and respect for the international and interdisciplinary character of IACAET and the creative arts professions it represents.

This Code establishes a common international ethical framework for IACAET credential holders. It complements, and does not replace, applicable laws, regulations, licensing requirements, institutional policies, or professional codes of ethics within the jurisdictions in which credential holders practice. Where conflicts arise, credential holders are expected to comply with applicable law while seeking to uphold the principles of this Code to the greatest extent possible.

This Code is intended to evolve alongside developments in professional practice, research, technology, and society. IACAET will periodically review and update the Code to reflect emerging ethical issues, evolving international standards, and the needs of the professions it represents.

Scope of Application

This Code applies to:

• Certified Creative Arts Therapists (CCAT)
• Certified Arts and Health Practitioners (CAHP)
• Certified Creative Arts Educators (CCAE)
• Applicants for IACAET credentials
• Individuals serving as assessors, reviewers, mentors, supervisors, or advisors within IACAET credentialing programs

Adherence to this Code is a condition of obtaining and maintaining an IACAET credential.

1. Respect for Human Dignity and Rights

IACAET credential holders recognize the inherent dignity, worth, and rights of all individuals.

They shall:

• Treat all persons with respect, compassion, and fairness.
• Promote inclusion, equity, accessibility, and participation.
• Respect autonomy, agency, and self-determination.
• Foster environments that support psychological, emotional, cultural, and physical safety.
• Avoid discrimination, harassment, exploitation, or abuse.

2. Professional Integrity

IACAET credential holders shall conduct themselves with honesty, transparency, and accountability.

They shall:

• Represent qualifications, credentials, training, and experience accurately.
• Avoid misleading claims regarding competence, services, or outcomes.
• Disclose conflicts of interest where appropriate.
• Avoid exploitation of professional relationships for personal, financial, or organizational gain.
• Act in ways that uphold the integrity of the profession and of IACAET.
• Maintain the professional independence, political neutrality, and international character of IACAET when acting in connection with the Association.
• Not present personal views or opinions as official positions of IACAET unless authorized to do so.

3. Competence and Professional Responsibility

Credential holders are responsible for maintaining professional competence and practicing within the limits of their education, training, and experience.

They shall:

• Practice within their scope of competence.
• Seek supervision, consultation, referral, or collaboration when appropriate.
• Engage in continuing professional development.
• Recognize limitations and areas requiring additional training.
• Maintain awareness of current developments in their field.

4. Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

Credential holders shall seek to promote wellbeing and avoid harm.

They shall:

• Consider the welfare of participants, clients, students, colleagues, and communities.
• Take reasonable steps to prevent physical, emotional, psychological, social, or cultural harm.
• Exercise appropriate caution when facilitating arts-based processes that may evoke strong emotional responses.
• Refer individuals to qualified professionals when concerns fall outside their scope of practice.
• Remain aware of power dynamics and potential vulnerabilities.

5. Professional Relationships and Boundaries

Credential holders shall establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

They shall:

• Avoid exploitative, coercive, or abusive relationships.
• Manage dual and multiple relationships responsibly.
• Respect the rights and dignity of all individuals involved in professional interactions.
• Exercise particular care when working with vulnerable populations.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries in educational, therapeutic, supervisory, research, and organizational contexts.

6. Confidentiality and Privacy

Credential holders shall respect privacy and confidentiality.

They shall:

• Protect confidential information obtained through professional activities.
• Obtain informed consent regarding the collection, use, storage, and sharing of information.
• Comply with applicable legal and ethical requirements relating to privacy and data protection.
• Use documentation, photographs, recordings, and creative works responsibly.
• Clearly communicate the limits of confidentiality when required by law or safeguarding obligations.

7. Cultural Humility and Respect for Diverse Knowledge Systems

Credential holders shall:

• Practice with cultural humility and openness.
• Respect cultural traditions and community practices.
• Avoid cultural appropriation and misrepresentation.
• Recognize the contributions of indigenous, traditional, and community-based knowledge systems.
• Promote intercultural dialogue, collaboration, and mutual learning.

8. Responsible Use of Arts-Based Practices

Credential holders shall:

• Respect the creative work and intellectual property of others.
• Obtain appropriate permissions when using artistic materials.
• Protect participant-created artistic work from misuse.
• Recognize the personal and cultural significance of creative expression.
• Promote responsible documentation, presentation, and dissemination of artistic processes and outcomes.

9. Research, Publication, and Educational Ethics

Credential holders shall uphold integrity in research, education, publication, and dissemination activities.

They shall:

• Promote honesty and transparency in scholarly and professional work.
• Avoid plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, and other forms of academic misconduct.
• Respect authorship and intellectual contributions.
• Follow appropriate ethical procedures when conducting research.
• Use artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with applicable ethical, professional, and legal standards.
• Use artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with applicable ethical, professional, and legal standards. Credential holders remain professionally responsible for all decisions, services, educational activities, creative works, and publications in which such technologies are used. Artificial intelligence and related technologies should be used to support, rather than replace, human professional judgment, ethical responsibility, creativity, and meaningful human engagement. Where the use of AI may materially affect professional practice, education, research, or publication, its use should be appropriately disclosed when relevant.

10. Responsible Use of IACAET Credentials

Credential holders shall:

• Represent their IACAET credentials accurately.
• Use credential designations only while in good standing with IACAET.
• Avoid implying qualifications beyond the scope of their credential.
• Distinguish clearly between therapy, education, arts in health, coaching, consulting, facilitation, and other professional activities.
• Comply with applicable laws and regulations within their jurisdiction.

11. Supervision and Continuing Professional Development

Credential holders shall maintain ongoing professional growth.

They are encouraged to:

• Participate in supervision, mentoring, consultation, or peer support appropriate to their field of practice.
• Engage in continuing education and professional development activities.
• Reflect on their professional practice and ethical responsibilities.

Additional supervision requirements may apply to specific credential categories as defined by IACAET credentialing policies.

12. Social Responsibility

Credential holders recognize their responsibility to contribute positively to society.

They shall:

• Promote access to creative arts education, therapy, and health practices.
• Support inclusion, equity, and social responsibility.
• Encourage collaboration across disciplines, cultures, and communities.
• Contribute to the responsible development of the professions represented by IACAET.
• Use their knowledge and skills in ways that benefit individuals, communities, and society.

Ethical Decision-Making

When faced with ethical dilemmas, credential holders are encouraged to:

• Review relevant sections of this Code.
• Reflect on potential consequences of different actions.
• Seek supervision, consultation, or peer support.
• Consider cultural, contextual, legal, and professional factors.
• Document significant ethical decisions when appropriate.
• Prioritize the welfare and rights of those affected.

Commitment to the Code

All IACAET credential holders and applicants are expected to uphold this Code of Ethics.

Adherence to this Code is a condition of obtaining and maintaining an IACAET credential.

Alleged violations may be reviewed under the IACAET Ethics and Professional Conduct Procedures.

Approved by: International Association for Creative Arts in Education and Therapy (IACAET)

Version 2.0 2026