Page 13 - Guidance for Schools, Colleges, and Youth Services :: Portus

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Confidentiality/information DSL, MHL Information
sharing Any member of staff who is aware of a student
engaging in or suspected to be at risk of engaging
Students are entitled to expect personal information in self-harm should consult the Mental Health Lead
to remain confidential. This means that the (MHL) or Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) but
information should not be disclosed to anyone in an emergency then any member of staff should
including the student’s parents/guardians.
assess the situation, administer first aid and/or call for
Unless it is considered: an ambulance for emergency assistance.
• In the interest of the health and safety of the child. Once informed, the Mental Health lead or DSL will
decide on the appropriate course of action. This may
• For the prevention or detection of crime Even then
care must be taken to limit disclosure to only those include:
who ‘need to know’. • Contacting parents / carers
Explaining Confidentiality • Arranging professional assistance e.g., doctor,
nurse, social services
It is important not to make promises of
confidentiality that a member of staff cannot keep, • Arranging an appointment with a school/college-
based counsellor or therapist
even though the student may put pressure on them
to do so. If this is explained at the outset of any • Removing the student from lessons immediately if
meeting the student can make an informed decision remaining in class is likely to cause further distress
as to how much information they wish to divulge. to themselves or their peers

Students should be made aware that confidentiality • Always remaining with the student if they are
will be maintained but that it cannot always be acutely distressed
guaranteed. If a member of staff considers that a Schools/colleges can make adjustments to help a
student is at risk of harming themselves or others, student but be aware that they may not want you
then confidentiality cannot be kept.
to be involved and you may not be aware of the
situation.

Portus - A Safe Space - Guidance on Self-harm and Suicide Prevention for Schools, Colleges and Youth Services.
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