PREAMBLE
The International Association of Child Sleep Consultants Code of Ethics states the principles of ethical behavior that should be followed in the practice of child sleep consulting. It is intended to establish and maintain high standards and professionalism for the child sleep consulting profession.
The principles do not cover every situation encountered by the practicing child sleep consultant, but are representative of the spirit with which child sleep consultants should make decisions. The principles are written generally; the circumstances of a situation will determine the interpretation and application of a given principle and of the Code as a whole. When a conflict exists between the Code and the law, the law prevails.
PRINCIPLE 1:
Members shall respect the rights, welfare and dignity of all.
1.1 Members shall not discriminate against any legally protected class.
1.2 Members shall be committed to providing competent advice and guidance.
1.3 Members shall preserve the confidentiality of privileged information and shall
not release such information to a third party not involved in the client’s care without a release unless required by law.
PRINCIPLE 2:
Members shall comply with the laws and regulations governing the practice of child sleep consulting.
2.1 Members shall comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws and
institutional guidelines.
2.2 Members shall be familiar with and abide by all International Association of Child Sleep Consultants membership requirements, standards, rules and regulations as developed.
2.3 Members shall report illegal or unethical practices related to child sleep consulting to
the appropriate person or authority.
2.4 Members shall avoid substance abuse and, when necessary, seek rehabilitation
for chemical dependency.
2.5 Members shall have no prior criminal convictions or if so, have satisfactorily explained such convictions to The Board.
PRINCIPLE 3:
Members shall maintain and promote high standards in their provision of services.
3.1 Members shall not misrepresent, either directly or indirectly, their skills,
training, professional credentials, identity or services.
3.2 Members shall provide only those services for which they are qualified through
education or experience and which are allowed by their practice acts and other
pertinent regulation.
3.3 Members shall provide services, make referrals, and seek compensation only
for those services that are necessary.
3.4 Members shall recognize the need for continuing education and participate in
educational activities that enhance their skills and knowledge.
3.5 Members shall educate those whom they supervise in the practice of child sleep consulting about the Code of Ethics and stress the importance of adherence.
3.6 Members who are researchers or educators should maintain and promote
ethical conduct in research and educational activities.
PRINCIPLE 4:
Members shall not engage in conduct that could be construed as a conflict of interest or
that reflects negatively on the profession.
4.1 Members should conduct themselves personally and professionally in a manner
that does not compromise their professional responsibilities or the practice of
child sleep consulting.
4.2 International Association of Child Sleep Consultants current or past volunteer leaders shall not use the IACSC logo in the endorsement of products or services or exploit their affiliation with the IACSC in a manner that reflects badly upon the profession.
4.3 Members shall not place financial gain above the client‘s welfare and shall not
participate in any arrangement that exploits the patient.
Ethics Violations
Allegations of violation to this code of ethics brought-forth on any good-standing member of the IACSC should be submitted in writing to the IACSC Ethics Committee. The Ethics Committee will investigate allegations and determine impact on membership status, which may include membership revocation. In the instance of revocation of membership, no dues will be refunded.
Code of Conduct
Purpose
This Code of Conduct is designed to promote safe, ethical, respectful and evidence-informed practice within the sleep consulting profession. It aims to protect families, children, practitioners and the wider public while encouraging professionalism, accountability and ongoing education.
1. Child Safety Comes First
Sleep consultants must place the safety, wellbeing and developmental needs of the child above all other interests.
Consultants should:
•Follow current safe sleep guidance relevant to their country and governing health authorities.
•Refrain from recommending practices that knowingly increase risk to infants or children.
•Recognise when concerns fall outside their scope of practice and refer families to appropriate healthcare professionals.
•Never encourage practices that compromise safety for faster results.
2. Work Within Scope of Practice
Sleep consultants are not medical professionals unless separately qualified.
Consultants must:
•Refrain from diagnosing medical, psychological or developmental conditions.
•Refrain from presenting advice as medical treatment.
•Encourage families to seek medical advice where symptoms or concerns require assessment.
•Be honest about qualifications, training and experience.
3. Respectful and Non-Judgemental Care
Families should be treated with dignity, compassion and respect regardless of parenting style, culture, feeding choices, background or beliefs.
Consultants should:
•Provide balanced information without coercion or fear-based messaging.
•Respect informed parental choice.
•Refrain from shaming language toward parents or other professionals.
•Communicate professionally in both private and public settings.
4. Evidence-Informed Practice
Consultants should aim to keep knowledge current and provide guidance based on credible evidence, professional education and recognised safe sleep principles.
Consultants should:
•Engage in ongoing professional development.
•Distinguish clearly between evidence, opinion and personal experience.
•Refrain from making exaggerated claims or guarantees.
•Be transparent where evidence is limited or evolving.
5. Professional Integrity
Sleep consultants should conduct themselves honestly and ethically.
Consultants must:
•Represent services truthfully in marketing and social media.
•Refrain from misleading testimonials or unrealistic promises.
•Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients.
•Respect confidentiality and privacy.
6. Social Media and Public Conduct
Consultants represent both themselves and the wider profession in public spaces.
Consultants should:
•Communicate respectfully online.
•Refrain from harassment, bullying, defamation or public targeting of individuals.
•Recognise that public posts may have legal and professional consequences.
•Refrain from sharing identifiable client information without explicit consent.
*Refrain from sharing IACSC content, logos, badges or material intended for Members Only
7. Confidentiality and Data Protection
Client information must be handled responsibly and in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
Consultants should:
•Store records securely.
•Obtain consent before sharing information.
•Respect confidentiality in groups, forums and educational settings.
•Inform clients of any limitations to confidentiality where legally required.
8. Transparency Around Training and Credentials
Consultants must accurately describe:
•Qualifications
•Certifications
•Professional memberships
•Areas of expertise
•Limitations of practice
Misrepresentation of credentials or experience is unacceptable.
9. Complaints and Accountability
Consultants should be open to feedback and willing to address concerns professionally.
Consultants should:
•Respond to complaints respectfully and fairly.
•Cooperate with professional review processes where applicable.
•Reflect on practice and take reasonable steps to improve standards.
10. Commitment to Ethical Practice
Sleep consultants should aim to:
•Support families responsibly.
•Promote realistic expectations around sleep and child development.
•Encourage informed decision-making.
•Contribute positively to the reputation and integrity of the profession.
By working within this Code of Conduct, sleep consultants demonstrate a commitment to child safety, ethical practice, professional accountability and respectful support for families.
