Obtaining information
The nature of the work of The Youth Counselling Project where engagement work is concerned, results in information of a personal, and sometimes sensitive, nature being divulged and retained. This may be obtained from the children and young people with whom counsellors engage, parents and carers of those individuals or other professionals such as social workers and school staff.
Therapeutic relationship between The Youth Counselling Project and young people
The work of The Youth Counselling Project relies on the relationship fostered between Counsellors and the children and young people who access the service.
This essential relationship is based on trust, empathy, and rapport.
Children and young people must feel confident that they can discuss issues, problems and experiences openly and honestly and that, generally, the details will not be divulged without permission.
Without this trust, development and change in children and young people is unlikely to be achieved.
Making notes and reports
Referring agencies usually require regular reports detailing the progress being made and plans for future work with children or young people.
It is usual and advisable to make notes following sessions. This ensures that future reports are comprehensive and that details are accurate.
Such notes can be hand written and retained as “hard copies” or as computer records. It should be noted that the Data Protection Act 1998 applies to all records.
When work with children and young people is concluded records should be retained by The Youth Counselling Project in line with our Data Protection Policy.
It is important that reports from other agencies are read by the relevant Counsellor. Care must be taken that information in these reports is not disclosed inappropriately.
Such reports should be retained by The Youth Counselling Project.
Engagement agreement
During an initial meeting with a child or young person with whom we intend to engage, and their parents(s)/guardians, it should be made clear that sessions will be confidential whenever possible.
It should also be explained that we sometimes attend meetings with other professionals such as social workers, education staff and health professionals where issues, progress etc, will be discussed. It is good practice to have a discussion with the child or young person prior to such meetings, be honest about what we intend to say and ask if they wish us to make comment on their behalf.
Disclosing information without permission
Children, young people and their parents/guardians, must be made aware that under certain circumstances it may be necessary to disclose information or involve other agencies against their wishes.
Information will be shared (in accordance with Section 115 Crime and Disorder Act 1998) with other agencies regardless of consent if:
- Abuse is disclosed.
- The young person has committed an offence.
- There is a risk of harm to the young person.
- There is a risk of harm to others.
If a disclosure is considered in such circumstances the counsellor must inform the designated safeguarding officer in the school as soon as is practicably possible for guidance.
The Youth Counselling Project counsellors are often faced with challenging issues and there may be occasions when an immediate decision is required regarding disclosure of information.
Such circumstances may occur, for instance, when a child or young person is:
- At risk from immediate abuse
- At risk from physical injury
- Likely to cause themselves harm
- Imminently likely to commit a serious offence
Counsellors should be confident that, having considered the circumstances, they are able to make a decision in the interests of the child or young person, other persons or the general public, to contact partner agencies such as social workers, health care professionals, or the Police.
In the event of such action the Counsellor must:
- Ensure the decision is recorded.
- Inform a Designated Safeguarding Officer in the school or the CEO of The Youth Counselling Project as soon as possible.
- Inform the referring agency, (e.g. social worker), if not subject of the initial report, as soon as possible.
- Confirm with the agency to which the report has been made that the concerns have been noted and appropriate action has been taken.
- Discuss the incident with the child or young person at the earliest opportunity.
