Safe Touch Policy
At Hatch Counselling Services, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment for all children in our care. As play therapists, we recognise that appropriate and therapeutic touch can be an essential part of supporting a child’s emotional well-being. However, we adhere to clear boundaries to ensure that all interactions are ethical, professional, and in the best interests of the child.
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Principles of Safe Touch
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Respect and Consent
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We always respect a child’s personal space and seek verbal or non-verbal consent before offering any form of touch.
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Children have the right to say no to touch at any time, and their wishes will always be honoured.
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Therapeutic Touch Only
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Any physical contact is used solely for therapeutic purposes, such as reassurance, grounding, or modelling healthy touch.
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Acceptable forms of touch may include a light touch on the arm or shoulder for comfort or a high-five to celebrate achievements.
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We do not initiate hugs or lap-sitting, but if a child seeks comfort, we respond in a way that ensures their emotional and physical safety.
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Cultural Sensitivity and Individual Needs
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We recognise that each child has unique cultural, personal, and developmental experiences that influence their comfort with touch.
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Touch will always be adapted to respect the child's background and individual boundaries.
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Parental Involvement and Transparency
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Parents and guardians will be informed of our Safe Touch Policy before therapy begins.
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If any concerns regarding touch arise, these will be openly discussed with the child’s parent or carer.
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Professional Standards and Safeguarding
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All therapists adhere to the ethical guidelines set by the British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) or other relevant professional bodies.
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Any concerns related to inappropriate touch or safeguarding issues will be handled in line with our Safeguarding Policy, and appropriate authorities will be notified if necessary.
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Supervision and Accountability
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Play therapists receive regular supervision to reflect on and review their practice to ensure professional integrity and adherence to safeguarding procedures.
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Any physical contact is subject to professional discretion and in the child’s best interest.
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Conclusion
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The well-being of children is our highest priority. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of trust, respect, and emotional security.
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