AAPCI Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

The Association of Adolescent Psychotherapists and Counsellors in Ireland (AAPCI) is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all young people who engage with our members. This Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy outlines our responsibilities in preventing harm, promoting child welfare, and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns.

1. Introduction

AAPCI recognises its responsibility in safeguarding children and young people as outlined in:

  • Ireland: Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children

  • UK: NSPCC Safeguarding Training

All members of AAPCI who work with young people must adhere to this policy to ensure that children’s safety, rights, and well-being are prioritised in therapeutic practice.

2. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All AAPCI members working directly with children and young people.

  • Supervisors and trainers providing guidance on child and adolescent therapy.

  • Staff and volunteers involved in AAPCI activities where contact with children may occur.

3. Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

AAPCI members are required to:

  • Comply with national safeguarding laws and best practice guidance in their jurisdiction.

  • Follow the AAPCI Code of Ethics, ensuring that therapeutic work with young people is conducted ethically and safely.

  • Report safeguarding concerns in line with statutory reporting requirements.

4. Recognising and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

AAPCI members must be able to:

  • Identify signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

  • Respond appropriately to disclosures from children and young people.

  • Take immediate action when a child is at risk of harm, including making a referral to the appropriate statutory body (e.g., Tusla in Ireland, Local Authority Social Services in the UK).

Types of Abuse

  • Physical abuse: Deliberate harm, including hitting, shaking, or burning.

  • Emotional abuse: Persistent emotional mistreatment, such as bullying, rejection, or threats.

  • Sexual abuse: Any form of sexual contact or exploitation involving a child.

  • Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care, supervision, or protection.

If a practitioner suspects abuse, they must:

  1. Record concerns accurately and factually.

  2. Consult their clinical supervisor for guidance.

  3. Report concerns to the relevant statutory body, where appropriate.

5. Reporting and Recording Safeguarding Concerns

  • In Ireland: Practitioners must adhere to Children First guidelines and report concerns to Tusla.

  • In the UK: Practitioners must follow local safeguarding board procedures.

All safeguarding concerns must be documented, including:

  • Details of the concern.

  • Any actions taken.

  • If applicable, a report submitted to the appropriate safeguarding authority.

Records must be stored securely in compliance with GDPR and data protection laws.

6. Mandatory Reporting and Duty of Care

  • Ireland: Under the Children First Act 2015, certain professionals are Mandated Persons, meaning they are legally required to report child protection concerns.

  • UK: Professionals working with children must adhere to statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023).

AAPCI strongly advises all members to complete recognised safeguarding training, such as:

  • Ireland: Children First eLearning Programme

  • UK: NSPCC Safeguarding Training

7. Safe Practice in Therapy with Young People

To create a safe therapeutic environment, members must:

  • Obtain informed consent from the child (if competent) and/or their guardian.

  • Ensure that therapy settings are appropriate and transparent, including safe physical and online spaces.

  • Maintain clear professional boundaries and avoid dual relationships.

  • Adhere to confidentiality laws, while recognising that safeguarding concerns override confidentiality where a child is at risk.

8. Supervision and Support for Therapists

  • Practitioners working with young people must engage in regular supervision with a qualified supervisor experienced in adolescent therapy.

  • Supervision should include safeguarding discussions, ensuring that practitioners feel supported when managing child protection concerns.

9. Allegations Against Practitioners

AAPCI takes allegations against its members seriously. If a concern is raised about an AAPCI member:

  • The practitioner will be required to cooperate with any investigation by statutory safeguarding agencies.

  • The AAPCI Ethics and Complaints Committee may conduct a review and take disciplinary action if needed.

  • If a practitioner is found to have breached safeguarding laws or ethical guidelines, AAPCI reserves the right to revoke membership.

10. Policy Review and Updates

  • This policy will be reviewed biennially to ensure compliance with best safeguarding practices and legal frameworks.

  • Any updates will be communicated to AAPCI members.

Conclusion

The safety and well-being of young people are central to AAPCI’s mission. By following this policy, members contribute to a safe, ethical, and protective environment for adolescents in therapy.