Safeguarding Policy

Statement of commitment

I am committed to promoting the welfare, safety and wellbeing of all children and young people who access my counselling and psychotherapy services. I recognise my professional and ethical responsibility to take appropriate action when concerns arise regarding a child or young person’s safety or welfare. The welfare of the child or young person is paramount.

Purpose

This policy explains:

• How safeguarding concerns are recognised.
• How concerns are responded to and recorded.
• The limits of confidentiality.
• When information may be shared with parents, carers or statutory agencies.
• How safeguarding responsibilities are fulfilled within private practice.

Who this policy applies to

• Children and young people aged 11–18.
• Parents and carers where appropriate.
• All counselling and psychotherapy services delivered by this practice, including in-person, online and telephone counselling.

Definition of safeguarding

Safeguarding means protecting children and young people from:

• Physical abuse.
• Emotional abuse.
• Sexual abuse.
• Neglect.
• Domestic abuse.
• Child sexual exploitation.
• Child criminal exploitation.
• Online abuse.
• Grooming.
• Radicalisation.
• Self-harm and suicide risk.
• Other forms of significant harm.

Confidentiality and safeguarding

Confidentiality is an essential part of therapy; however, confidentiality is not absolute. Information may be shared without consent where there is reason to believe that:

• A child or young person is at risk of significant harm.
• Another person is at risk of significant harm.
• A serious crime has occurred or may occur.
• Disclosure is required by law.

Whenever possible, concerns will be discussed with the young person before information is shared. In situations where this would increase risk, information may be shared without prior discussion.

Consent and parental responsibility

Prior to commencing therapy:

• Appropriate consent will be obtained.
• The limits of confidentiality will be explained.
• Information regarding safeguarding responsibilities will be provided.

For young people under 16, assessment of competence and understanding will be considered in accordance with professional guidance. The rights of young people to privacy and confidentiality will be balanced with safeguarding responsibilities.

Recognising safeguarding concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise through:

• Direct disclosure.
• Observed behaviour.
• Information from parents or carers.
• Information from schools or other professionals.
• Risk assessments conducted during therapy.

Indicators may include:

• Self-harm.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• Abuse or neglect.
• Exploitation.
• Significant deterioration in mental health.
• Unsafe living circumstances.
• Serious risk-taking behaviours.

Responding to concerns

Where a safeguarding concern arises, I will:

• Step 1: Listen carefully and remain calm.
• Step 2: Take the concern seriously.
• Step 3: Clarify only what is necessary and avoid investigative questioning.
• Step 4: Explain what action may need to be taken.
• Step 5: Make an accurate written record.
• Step 6: Seek consultation through professional supervision where appropriate.
• Step 7: Contact relevant safeguarding agencies if required.

Information sharing

Information will only be shared when:

• Necessary to protect a child or young person.
• Necessary to protect another person.
• Required by law.
• Required as part of a safeguarding referral.

Information sharing will follow the principle of sharing only what is necessary, relevant and proportionate.

Safeguarding contacts

Where concerns meet safeguarding thresholds, referrals may be made to:

• Local Authority Children’s Services.
• Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
• Police.
• NHS Crisis Services.
• Emergency Services.

For immediate risk to life or safety, emergency services will be contacted on 999.

Record keeping

Safeguarding records will:

• Be factual and objective.
• Record dates and times.
• Include actions taken.
• Include rationale for decisions.
• Be stored securely in accordance with UK GDPR and data protection legislation.

Safeguarding records will be retained in accordance with legal and professional requirements in line with my Privacy Policy.

Online counselling safeguarding

Prior to online work, the following information will be obtained:

• Young person’s address.
• Parent/carer contact details where appropriate.
• Emergency contact details.
• GP details.
• Current location at the start of online sessions where necessary.

A safety plan will be discussed for situations involving:

• Disconnection during high-risk conversations.
• Self-harm concerns.
• Suicide risk.
• Medical emergencies.

Supervision

All safeguarding concerns will be discussed in professional supervision where appropriate. Supervision forms an essential part of safe and ethical practice. Where urgent safeguarding concerns arise, consultation will not delay referral to safeguarding agencies.

Training

I will maintain safeguarding knowledge through:

• Regular CPD.
• Safeguarding training.
• Updates to legislation and guidance.
• Professional supervision.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, professional guidance or practice requirements change.