Parent/Carer Charter of Rights and Responsibilities

Welcome to Creating Change. As we embark on a journey to support your child’s well-being, it’s essential to recognise the pivotal role you, as parents¹, play in this process. This charter outlines your rights and responsibilities, ensuring a supportive, effective, and child-centered therapeutic environment, irrespective of parental¹ relationship status. We are deeply grateful for the trust you, as parents¹, place in Creating Change, and we wholeheartedly share your commitment to supporting your child’s development and well-being, recognising the immense value of this partnership. The collaboration between you and our practitioners is paramount, as it enhances our collective ability to provide the most effective support for your child. As parents¹, your role is irreplaceable and central to this endeavour, and we pledge to honour and support your insights and contributions every step of the way.

Child Safety

The safety and well-being of your child is our primary concern. We are committed to creating a secure therapy environment that is in the best interest of your child.

Your child will receive skilled and professional services from their therapist. We adhere to stringent safety protocols and are vigilant in maintaining a safe space for all clients, family, and Creating Change team. In situations of high conflict, extra precautions will be taken to safeguard all involved.

Confidentiality and Privacy

All information shared with us is treated with the utmost respect for privacy, following strict confidentiality protocols as per the Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

This is your child’s safe space to be vulnerable and share their ideas, worries and fears. Your child’s confidentiality will be maintained i.e. what they tell their clinician stays between them and their clinician unless there is a safety issue that the parents need to be made aware of or the notes are subpoenaed by the court. Any significant concerns or risks disclosed by the child will be communicated to both parents, assuming it’s in the child’s best interest.

We actively encourage children to build healthy communication and connection with their parents¹ and caregivers. This includes sharing their thoughts, learnings and progress at their own pace and we will ensure you, as the parent¹, remain current about the therapy process and the child’s needs.

If you share information with us verbally or in writing this information will become part of the therapy. This will mean that this information is shared with the child or other parent¹ if safe and helpful to do so. The therapist is trained to share information in a respectful and constructive manner with the child’s wellbeing in mind. This includes supporting and encouraging family relationships. If the information is personal and about you as the parent¹, we will be respectful of your needs also.

Boundaries

It’s crucial for a healthy therapeutic process to maintain clear boundaries in both directions. We want to respect boundaries of time as it is valuable to both you and the therapist. We ask that all interactions are respectful in both directions.

You and your family are extremely important to us, and we will invest a high level of care and warmth. We are not however, able to provide childcare support. The care of your child and other accompanying children not involved in therapy are your responsibility and we ask that you remain in reception to be available for your child for the whole of their visit e.g. taking them to the bathroom or supporting them if they are distressed.

We encourage parents¹ to support their child’s therapeutic journey by providing space and opportunity to share parents’¹ thoughts or ask questions and sharing information. We want you involved and guiding your child to their best self. At times we will need to have you in session and at times we will need to work with the child independently. Feel free to ask why we are working with the current time protocol. To enhance communication we have a parent¹ form where you can share what has happened during the week in summary. If you want a deeper discussion a parent¹ appointment session will be required as we have full weeks working with many individuals and their families.

Appointment Transparency

All parents or legal guardians have the right to be informed about appointments. Our practice will ensure that appointment details are accessible and communicated to all involved parties. We will request identification if callers are asking information about clients and only release information to parents¹ or legal guardians.

We encourage both parents¹ to participate in the therapy process, as agreed upon with the therapist, ensuring it serves the child’s best interests. When decisions regarding the therapy need to be made, we ask parents¹ to work together, alongside the therapist, to determine the best course of action for the child.

Responsibility for Payment

The parent(s) ¹ initiating the therapy for the child assumes responsibility for payment unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Any changes to financial arrangements must be communicated and agreed upon by all parties in advance of sessions. Payments must be made in a single transaction, no split payments accepted.

In cases of separated parents¹, it’s crucial to have a clear agreement on payment responsibilities to prevent any impact on the continuity of the child’s therapy. This includes separate confidentiality and payment agreements signed by each parent¹.

Cancellation and Rescheduling

Regular attendance is vital for the effectiveness of your child’s therapy. We understand life happens; however, consistent participation is encouraged.

Please provide adequate notice if an appointment needs to be cancelled or rescheduled, allowing us to offer the time to another client in need. You can only cancel an appointment you have booked. If another parent at a different address has scheduled an appointment they must cancel the appointment.

Termination of Services

Should therapy need to be concluded, we will discuss this process openly, ensuring it aligns with the best interests of the child and adheres to Australian Psychological Society Ethical Guidelines.

We are committed to supporting your child and family through any transition, including the termination of services, to ensure ongoing well-being.

APS Guidelines and Parental Responsibility

Regardless of relationship status, parents have responsibilities towards their child. Unless court orders state otherwise, parental decisions about the child’s psychology should be made jointly or solely in the child’s best interest.

If bound by court orders regarding shared responsibility and decision-making in your child’s psychological care, you must adhere to these orders. These orders apply to you not to the practice. You are responsible for advising us if a parent¹ does not have rights or access to your child and providing appropriate documentation.

Ethical Guidelines for Working with Young People

We recognise that separation can lead to high levels of conflict. Our commitment is to ensure the safety of our clients, relevant others, and our team.

Our Charter is founded on the principle of prioritising the child’s safety and well-being, guided by the ethical framework provided by the Australian Psychological Society.

Your involvement, cooperation, and commitment are crucial to the success of your child’s therapy. By adhering to this charter, you help create a stable, supportive, and effective therapeutic process. Our shared goal is to facilitate positive change and growth for your child, and we thank you for your trust and collaboration in this important work.

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¹ Carers