We will not usually tell anyone outside Deborah Giannasi Counselling anything that happens in counselling sessions unless the family and child have explicitly agreed for information to be shared. We encourage parents / carers not to ask children what they have done or talked about in therapy. 

Well-kept records provide an essential underpinning to good child protection practice. My records should be clear, accurate and contemporaneous, ensuring that there is a documented account of involvement with a child or family. All notes and documents, aside from this safeguarding policy, will keep the name of the child anonymous and the child’s name will not be discussed during clinical supervision.

When making a contract with a child we will discuss confidentiality and, in accordance with safeguarding procedures, will not discuss matters arising in sessions with parents/carers and/or school staff without the child’s consent unless there are safeguarding concerns. Children will be encouraged to disclose matters with school/parents/carers alongside the counsellor where necessary.

There are some situations where we may pass on information without a client’s agreement, as detailed in our safeguarding and confidentiality policies that will be shared and signed before therapy begins. 

Concern that a child may be suffering or likely to suffer significant harm may be a reason for referral to social services or may arise during the course of providing our service to the child his/her family. In such circumstances, the counsellor is obliged to inform the school Safeguarding Officer, in writing, of our concerns, who in turn will initiate inquiries under section 47 of the Children’s Act.  In the absence of the Children school safeguarding officer or a session takes place outside of school, the counsellor will escalate to Careline/Social Services where necessary.

It is important to always take account of the child’s reactions and his/her perceptions, according to the child’s age and understanding. As professionals, we should be honest and explicit about our role, responsibilities, powers, and expectations and about what is not negotiable. Children and young people should, subject to age and understanding, be helped to understand child protection processes and how they can be involved and contribute to decision-making. They should understand that decisions will be taken in light of all available information and not necessarily in accordance with their wishes.

Counsellors have completed online safeguarding with BACP, NSPCC, and local authorities to ensure that children remain safe and assured when accessing counselling via Zoom/Skype/other online platforms. An online counselling consent form will be sent to parent/guardian and schools.