3 minute read
APPENDIX 2: GUARDIAN INFORMED CONSENT
from Counselling Policy
by JESS Dubai
Introduction
School counselling provides an opportunity for children to talk, in confidence, about things that are worrying them or affecting their day to day life. What children choose to talk about is completely up to them, but common issues may include; anxiety, friendships, transitions, bereavement, distressing traumatic events and anger. The Counsellor will not be judging you or your child but looking to help them find their way through whatever is troubling them. As part of this process, you may be invited to meet with the School Counsellor and the information contained within is also pertinent to your meeting with the School Counsellor.
The school Counsellor will work with students and parents on a range of social and emotional issues in order to work towards happy, healthy children who are ready to learn. The Counselling Team will provide both pro-active and re-active services to help students achieve their best academically and socially emotionally. Providing information and support to the parents in relation to the home setting is often an important part of this process. Please feel free to talk to the School Counsellor if you require any additional information at this stage.
Confidentiality
We understand that the content of the sessions is confidential and will not be shared without consent of the student, or in the case of parents, the parent. However, if it is felt that the student’s health and/or safety, or some else’s health and/or safety is at risk, then the appropriate person(s)/parents shall be informed. While there is a clear requirement for confidentiality there is an obligation for the Counsellors to share relevant information with the Principal, relevant staff (including the Safeguarding team), and parents where appropriate. This will be done in a professional and reasonable way and in the best interest of the child.
A note is placed on the school management system (ISAMS) to record that student / parents have met with the Counsellor, but no further counselling details are stored here.
If you or your child shares a safeguarding concern, the Counsellor has an obligation to report this to the Safeguarding team. More details on this process are contained in the School Safeguarding Policy (available on the school website: www.jess.sch.ae).
Permissions
We consent to our child meeting the School Counsellor commissioned by the school. We understand that the purpose for meeting is to provide counselling and support.
FS1-Year 6: Parental permission must be obtained before or after an initial session, except in cases of a Safeguarding concern where parental consent is not required.
18 | P a g e
Year 7 & above: The Gillick Principle
‘As a general principle it is legal and acceptable for a young person to ask for confidential counselling without parental consent providing they are of sufficient understanding and intelligence’ (Gillick v West Norfolk AHA, House of Lords, 1985. UK).
Since this ruling, all young people are entitled to confidential counselling. Gillick competence will be assessed by the counsellor in the initial session and if deemed competent, the student will be able to give consent. Assessment of competence based on the Gillick principle will take account of the age, maturity, understanding of consequences of their action and understanding what is being proposed by the counsellor. As a rule, most students in Year 7 or above are deemed sufficiently competent to understand the counselling process. Parental permission will be sought if this is not the case.
Please complete details and sign the below:
Name of Student: _______________________________ Date of Birth: ____________
School: _______________________________________Class/Year: _______________
Home Address: _________________________________________________________
In cases where both parents have responsibility of the children, consent must be signed by both parents.
Parent or Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________
Parent or Guardian Name (BLOCK CAPITALS) _____________________________
Relationship to child: ____________________________________________________
Email: ________________________________________________________________
Contact phone number: __________________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________________________________
19 | P a g e
Parent or Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________
Parent or Guardian Name (BLOCK CAPITALS) _____________________________
Relationship to child: ____________________________________________________
Email: ________________________________________________________________
Contact phone number: __________________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________________________________
20 | P a g e
