Confidentiality
This information is provided to tell young people about their right to confidentiality and any limitations or exceptions to this right.
In general any information that is given in confidence by you, will not be shared with anyone outside of Youthreach without a young persons written permission. Information about young people maybe shared with other staff members as necessary and recorded in the young person's file. If it becomes necessary to refer the young person to another service, we will ask for their consent before sharing relevant information with another agency or individual.
Limits on Confidentiality
There may be times when a counsellor feels it is not possible to keep the confidentiality agreement. This will only happen in special circumstances where a counsellor feels it is absolutely necessary. Whenever possible the counsellor or a member of the staff team will talk to the young person before this happens.
Times when it might be necessary to break the confidentiality agreement:
- When the young person or someone else is at risk of serious harm.
- When the courts place an obligation on staff or volunteers
- When disclosures of terrorist activity or drug trafficking are made.
- When it is discovered that a young person under 16 years of age is being abused or is at significant risk of abuse
If it is decided that it is necessary to break confidentiality the following steps will be taken:
- It will be discussed with the young person first if possible
- The counsellor will consult with his/her manager and or clinical supervisor
- The Young Person will be asked to provide written consent
- If the young person does not permission, the manager will be consulted again before any information is given
- The Young Person will be kept fully informed to what is happening
- Any decision to break the confidentiality agreement will be recorded in the young person's file
Please contact us if you feel that you would like or need more information on our confidentiality policy and how it relates to a Young person's right.
Making a referral
Find out more on our referrals page.
