Implemented by Rachel Nahmias in her clinical practice

This policy has been developed in full accordance with the laws of Thailand, specifically:

· Thailand Child Protection Act 2003

Child Protection Statement

All signatories to this document are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children receiving a service and ensuring that appropriate and consistent action that will be taken if any concerns arise.

A child is defined as person under the age of 18, as outlined in the Thailand Child Protection Act 2003.

For the purposes of this policy, “Therapist” refers to any signatory who is a qualified or trainee Play Therapist working with children and/or their families.

For the purposes of this policy, “Supervisor” refers to a qualified Private Practitioner, to whom the therapist offers an account or recording of her/his work.

Practitioners’ Protection

Article 29, The Thailand Child Protection Act of 2003, “Persons notifying or reporting in good faith under this Article shall receive appropriate protection and shall not be held liable for any civil or administrative action arising there from.”

Confidentiality

At the start of any work being carried out with a child it will be clearly explained to that child that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where the therapist believes that there is danger to the client. Whenever there is either evidence or suspicion of child abuse the therapist concerned will discuss these concerns with the child. They will explain clearly to the child the reasons for having to pass information on to other professionals and the procedures for dealing with child abuse.

Early Suspicions of abuse

It may be that cumulative evidence of a child’s behaviour, emotional state and / or physical appearance leads a Therapist to suspect that some form of abuse may be occurring. This should in the first instance be taken to supervision and discussed.

Actual awareness of evidence of abuse:

Therapists may become aware of child abuse in the following ways:-

· Direct disclosure of abuse to a Therapist by the child.

· Observation of injuries that may arouse suspicion that abuse may have occurred.

· Evidence of the child’s emotional state that may cause concern such as the child becoming extremely distressed or withdrawn.

· Information that may be passed on to a Therapist by others who are concerned for the child.

Immediate action for children seen in Private Practice:

If a Therapist becomes aware that a child is under immediate threat of abuse or has actually suffered abuse, the Therapist must:-

· If possible discuss with the child the action that the therapist must take.

· Make an immediate record within the hour of the child’s actual words (ie verbatim).

· Discuss the matter immediately with their supervisor, if necessary by telephone.

· Contact Childline Thailand and follow their procedure to insure immediate safety of the child

· When relevant - Inform the school’s appointed counselling representative by telephone or in person, and confirm in writing within 24 hours.

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Immediate action for children seen at school

If a Therapist becomes aware that a child is under immediate threat of abuse or has actually suffered abuse, the Therapist must:-

· If possible discuss with the child the reasons why the therapist will have to bring the facts to the attention of the school.

· Make an immediate record within the hour of the child’s actual words (ie verbatim).

· Discuss the matter immediately with their supervisor, if necessary by telephone.

· Inform the school’s appointed counselling representative by telephone or in person, and confirm in writing within 24 hours.

· Follow the School’s Child Protection Policy.

Immediate action when an adult or child discloses that they are abusing or have recently abused a child

The Therapist must:-

· Explain the situation to the adult or client and tell them that disclosure of confidential information will be necessary.

· Discuss the matter immediately with their supervisor or, if necessary by telephone.

· Contact Childline Thailand and follow their procedure to insure immediate safety of the child.