Our Philosophy
P.C.L.S. Inc. draws its philosophy from the Vulnerable Persons Act (VPA). The VPA is the act that was developed in 1996 to address the lack of ethics that existed in the previous legislation. The VPA reflects a code of conduct that has been inherent in Pulford's policies since its inception in 1986.
The five guiding principles of the VPA outline the philosophy that Pulford strives to uphold. These principles are paraphrased as follows:
- Vulnerable people are presumed able to make their own decisions
- Vulnerable people are encouraged to make their own choices
- If a vulnerable person needs help to make a choice, the legislation encourages friends, family and service providers to help him/her understand the choices to make an informed decision
- Any help provided must be respectful of the vulnerable person's privacy and dignity as an adult
- There may be a decision that the vulnerable person is unable to make, even with help. As a last resort, a substitute decision maker can be identified.