Counselling Services > Child Safeguarding Policy
I'm committed to protect young people
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Child Safeguarding Policy

The purpose of this policy:

  • Protect children and young people who receive therapy from Emma Whelan Counselling
  • Share the principles used by Emma Whelan Counselling that guide her approach to child safeguarding. 

Emma Whelan Counselling operates from a position that a child, minor, or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. As a therapist, I have a responsibility to promote the welfare of children and young people and help keep them safe. I am committed to practising in a way that protects children and young people.

I recognise:

  • The welfare of the child/young person is paramount
  • All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
  • Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

I will seek to keep children and young people in my practice safe by:

  • Valuing them, listening to them and respecting them
  • Communicating with children (verbally) and parents (verbally and in writing) from the beginning of the counselling relationship about my safeguarding responsibilities and the limits of confidentiality 
  • Providing effective safeguarding management through supervision 
  • Sharing concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately. 

See my privacy policy here >

If a safeguarding concern arises, I will:
  • Speak to the parent / carer (unless it is unsafe to do so)
  • Keep the child informed about who information will be shared with 
  • Discuss the concern with my supervisor to agree a way forward 
  • When necessary, share information with outside agencies such as children’s social care.
Last Updated on 18 February, 2024