About CFSI

Community and Family Services International (CFSI) is a humanitarian organization committed to peace and social development, with a particular interest in the psychosocial dimension. The purpose of CFSI is rebuilding lives. Based in the Philippines, CFSI works internationally, primarily but not exclusively in the Asia and Pacific Region.

Established in 1981, CFSI has worked closely with the international community as well as national and local authorities responsible for uprooted persons in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Myanmar (Burma), Malaysia, Thailand, Viet Nam, Cambodia, Timor-Leste (East Timor) and Papua New Guinea. In addition, CFSI has carried out special training efforts in various parts of the world for humanitarian workers, social service personnel, and human rights specialists.

CFSI is staffed by professionals from different countries, mostly Asian, who represent a broad range of disciplines, ethnic and language groups, as well as religions. Whilst celebrating their diversity, Staff Members are united by a commitment to peace, human rights, humanitarian principles, participatory processes, empowerment, and integrity as individuals and as an organization. Staff Members work hand-in-hand with large numbers of volunteers – most of whom are based in the communities in which CFSI operates.

Philosophy

Every person is unique, with inherent worth and dignity, equal and inalienable rights, the need to be meaningfully connected to others, and the potential to contribute to the well being of the human family.

Covenant

Formulated through participatory processes in 2004, the “Covenant of the People of CFSI” speaks of the nature of CFSI; its values, principles, commitments, and aspirations; the way the Organization relates to others; and the envisaged outcomes of its efforts. The Covenant is part of every employment contract at CFSI and referred to when evaluating both individual and organizational performance.

Code of Ethics

CFSI has adopted the Code of Ethics of the social work profession as the CFSI Code of Ethics. The latest version of this ethical and professional standard – “Ethics in Social Work, Statement of Principles” – was jointly developed and promulgated in 2004 by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW).

Commitments

CFSI is a signatory to the Code of Conduct of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief, and the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations. In addition, CFSI is committed to the Principles of Partnership, humanitarian accountability, and the prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation. CFSI Staff Members are trained in Sphere Minimum Standards in Disaster Response. To help ensure faithful compliance with these accountability commitments, CFSI has an official policy to protect feedback, complaints, and whistleblowing disclosures.