Under the Children First Act 2015, all organizations that provide ‘ relevant services’ to children & families must have a Child Safeguarding Statement in Place. This is a written statement, informed by a risk assessment, that specifies the services being provided and procedures to be observed , in order to ensure, as far as practicable, that a child availing of the service is safe from harm.

As a family therapist who holds accreditations and membership with The FTAI, ICP ,AFT and IFTA, I am committed and ethically bound to ensuring the protection, welfare and development of children. The practice statement can be read below;

The safety, welfare and development of children and young people is a core principal in my work as a family therapist. My practice, policy and approach is informed, guided and compliant with Children First legislation.

The safety and welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. The best interests of the child should be paramount.

Children have a right to be heard, listened to and taken seriously. Taking account of their age and understanding, they should be consulted and involved in all matters and decisions that may affect their lives.

Parents/guardians have a right to respect and should be consulted and involved in matters that concern their family.

A proper balance must be struck between protecting children and respecting the rights and needs of parents/guardians and families.

Child protection is a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary activity. Agencies and professionals must work together in the interests of children.

Confidentiality - Statement of Understanding & Consent

The therapeutic space and sessions we undertake together are confidential. No information regarding your attendance, conversations that take place will be disclosed or shared without your agreed & written consent. Any consent for disclosure to a third party will require a conversation and a written consent form complete with clients signature.

The are limits to confidentiality under certain conditions such as:

- Where the therapist believes that a client, a child or another person is at risk of harm.

- Where a serious crime is planned or committed.

- Where ordered by a Court of Law.

Where the client is under 18 years old, parents/ guardians must consent to engaging in the therapeutic process. The child or young person will also be able to sign this agreement. While this is not a legal requirement, it is important for the child or young person to understand that they have agency and a say in their participation. This can be undertaken with their parent or guardian or with the therapist. These consent forms must be signed by the parents or guardians and returned to the practice before the first session can take place.