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Is Your Child Struggling?
I work with children between the ages of 5 and 12. |
Is Your Teenager Feeling Lost?
I work with teenagers between the age of 13 to 19. |
Consent and Privacy when working with Minors
In British Columbia consent and privacy for health case is based on an individual capacity to understand what is being agreed to. Children and teenagers that are able to understand what counselling is and the benefits and risks and the implications of their choice are able to give consent from themselves. They also have the same rights to privacy and confidentiality as adults.
When working with children and teenagers it is best that parents are on board and supportive however the relationship is between the minor and the counsellor. To understand if a child or teenager has the capacity to give consent an assessment session might first be required. Generally speaking unless there are extenuating circumstances it will be assumed that a teenager can give consent.
For younger children an assessment is required. Some children between 8 to 12 will be able to understand what they are consenting to and will be able to give consent for themselves. Children between 5 to 7 will under most circumstances require consent from a parent or guardian.
Agreement for the lateness policy, cancellation policy, data storage, social media and other policies will be reviewed with both the parent/guardian and the minor depending on the age of the minor. Both parties maybe asked to agree to these policies even if it is determined that the minor can give consent for the counselling itself.
What can be shared with the parents/guardians?
A child or minor needs to agree to information being shared with a parent or guardian, even if the parent/guardian gave consent for the sessions. Counselling sessions are private and it is that privacy which allows individuals to open up and share.
However, just like with adults there are exceptions to confidentiality.
When working with children and teenagers it is best that parents are on board and supportive however the relationship is between the minor and the counsellor. To understand if a child or teenager has the capacity to give consent an assessment session might first be required. Generally speaking unless there are extenuating circumstances it will be assumed that a teenager can give consent.
For younger children an assessment is required. Some children between 8 to 12 will be able to understand what they are consenting to and will be able to give consent for themselves. Children between 5 to 7 will under most circumstances require consent from a parent or guardian.
Agreement for the lateness policy, cancellation policy, data storage, social media and other policies will be reviewed with both the parent/guardian and the minor depending on the age of the minor. Both parties maybe asked to agree to these policies even if it is determined that the minor can give consent for the counselling itself.
What can be shared with the parents/guardians?
A child or minor needs to agree to information being shared with a parent or guardian, even if the parent/guardian gave consent for the sessions. Counselling sessions are private and it is that privacy which allows individuals to open up and share.
However, just like with adults there are exceptions to confidentiality.
- If there is good reason to believe that the child or teenager might harm themselves or others then confidentiality can be broken.
- If there is abuse such as physical, sexual or emotional then the counsellor is required by law to report it to authorities.
One thing I had learned from watching chimpanzees with their infants is that having a child should be fun.
- JANE GOODALL
- JANE GOODALL
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