Child Protection Policy

Welcome to NGN Learning!

Before we begin, please review and agree to the following points to ensure we can provide the best support for your child.

  1. Please inform your Counsellor about your child’s developmental history, including any significant milestones and events.
  2. If your child has undergone any formal assessments (psychological, educational, medical, etc.), kindly share the details and relevant reports.
  3. For children diagnosed with developmental delays, disorders, or mental health issues, please prioritise interventions by registered clinical psychologists or other healthcare professionals. Our counselling services are designed to complement these professional interventions, not replace them.
  4. Our behavioural counselling and social-emotional learning sessions are proven to help children develop mental well-being and effective coping strategies. These sessions serve as valuable preventive measures and support but should not be considered a substitute for any therapy or medical intervention prescribed by healthcare providers.

Child Protection Policy Checklist for Online counselling Sessions

1. Consent and Assent

  • Obtain written consent from parents/legal guardians before initiating counselling sessions.
  • Seek the child’s assent, ensuring they understand the nature of the counselling.

2. Counsellor Qualifications and Training

  • Verify all counsellors have appropriate qualifications.
  • Provide training on child protection and online safety protocols.
  • Offer ongoing training and support regarding child protection issues and best practices.

3. Creating a Safe Online Environment

  • Use secure, password-protected platforms for sessions.
  • Conduct sessions in a private space to maintain confidentiality.
  • Prohibit recording of sessions without explicit consent from the child and guardian.

4. Identifying and Reporting Abuse

  • Train counsellors to recognize signs of abuse and neglect.
  • Establish a clear procedure for reporting suspected abuse.
  • Report immediately to the designated Child Protection Officer (CPO).
  • CPO to assess and, if necessary, report to child protection authorities.

5. Response to Disclosures of Abuse

  • Provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for disclosures.
  • Accurately document disclosures while maintaining confidentiality.
  • Follow the reporting procedure and ensure the child receives appropriate support.

6. Parental Involvement

  • Encourage parental involvement in the counselling process, respecting the child’s privacy.
  • Provide parents with information on supporting their child’s well-being and online safety.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Regularly review and update child protection policies and procedures.
  • Conduct periodic evaluations of sessions to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
  • Assess the effectiveness of child protection measures.

8. Digital Safety Education

  • Educate children about online safety and risks of sharing personal information.
  • Inform parents on how to protect their children from cyberbullying and exploitation.

Code of Conduct for counsellors and Staff

  • Prioritise the child’s welfare and best interests.
  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
  • Respect the child’s views and encourage their participation in decisions affecting them.
  • Never engage in any form of abuse, exploitation, or harassment.

Review and Accountability

  • Review policy annually or as needed to reflect changes in law or best practices.
  • Ensure all staff understand and implement this policy.

Contact Information

  • Provide contact details for the Child Protection Officer for questions or concerns.