Safeguarding

The welfare of a child should be paramount. Therapists must act in the child’s best interests.

A child protection referral should be considered if therapeutic work highlights that

• a parent is hostile or aggressive with the child

• a parent is unable to demonstrate emotional warmth to the child

• other safeguarding issues emerge

Therapists have a duty to ensure that children are protected from harm. Therapists must also comply with the principles laid down in the Children Acts (1989 and 2004).