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CHILD PROTECTION
from Counselling Policy
by JESS Dubai
10.5 Primary Head Teachers are confidentially provided with names of those accessing counselling and class teachers will be aware of those receiving counselling and often some of the key issues having observed the students in class. This collaborative approach is recommended for school-based counselling (for example, see page 102 “Counselling in Schools 7”.
10.6 Counsellors work closely with the OASIS department to support the needs of children of determination.
11.1 In matters pertaining to child protection, the counsellor will need to override client confidentiality. Safeguarding and welfare needs take priority over the therapeutic relationship. The JESS Policies and Procedures for Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy supersedes this Counselling Policy.
11.2 The JESS Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy names a Designated Senior Person (DSP) at each school to confidentially collate information. Their role helps to develop a broader picture of individual children’s needs. Counsellors have a duty to report information to the DSP in order that a broader picture of need may be revealed and appropriate actions taken.
11.3 The UK Department of Education 2020 guidance states:
“No single practitioner can have a full picture of a child’s needs and circumstances. If children and families are to receive the right help at the right time, everyone who comes into contact with them has a role to play in identifying concerns, sharing information and taking prompt action8.” P. 5, Keeping Children Safe in Education, 2020.
11.4 Article 42 of Federal Law 3 of 2016 creates a mandatory requirement for educators to notify a child protection specialist if they believe a child’s physical, psychological, moral or mental integrity is threatened. The following definitions are used to describe abuses within the legal framework:
11.4.1 “Child Abuse: Every action or omission that would lead to the harm of the child and prevent the latter's upbringing and growth in a sound, safe and healthy manner.”
11.4.2 “Child Neglect: Failure of the parents or the custodian to take necessary actions to preserve the child's life, as well as his/her physical, mental and moral integrity from risks and to protect his/her various rights.”
7 Counselling in Schools, Robert Bor, Jo Ebner-Landy, Sheila Gill, Chris Brace, 2002, Sage Publications 8 Keeping Children Safe in Education. Statutory Guidance for Schools and Colleges. 2020 12 | P a g e
