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Covid-19

Written by: ACAP | Posted on: | Category: Covid-19

NOTICE TO ACAP MEMBERS

27th March 2020

We hope you are all keeping safe and well in this difficult and extraordinary time of COVID-19. We face worrying and uncertain times ahead in dealing with the impact of Covid-19 but we are endeavouring to find ways to support ourselves, our families and our clients. We are acutely aware of the concerns you may have in relation to your Child Art Psychotherapy practices not only with regard to your own safety but also that of your clients and the wider community.

We understand that some Child Art Psychotherapists may make the decision to discontinue face-to-face sessions and that this is not an easy one and that there are many factors to consider: the client’s needs and safety, your need and safety, and the alternatives that can be practically, ethically, and safely applied.

We want to acknowledge the need for members to carefully consider their Child Art Psychotherapy practice in conjunction with their supervisors, guidance from trusted sources such as the HSE and other professional associations and make decisions in relation to what is best for each individual child. Each Therapist will need to research, discuss and explore safety guidelines and consider what is best for each individual child they work with in consultation with their Supervisor. The main concern relates to the provision of safety in relation to continuing/discontinuing face-to-face sessions. Also consideration for safe alternative ways to support children that they are working with in a phone or online support capacity.

We wish to support ACAP Members and would like to advise the following :

  • To engage in self-care and any support available for oneself and loved ones.

  • To consult and seek support from your Supervisor in making decisions in the best interests of each child you work with and your own self care in terms of health and safety and meeting the needs of the referral.

  • To consult with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate insurance cover for any change in circumstances of your practice and to ensure your policy covers you in the event you change the format of your practice to phone or online provision of service. To research information and update skills where possible on alternative ways of providing support to children and their parents/carers.

  • To inform oneself in relation to best practice for data management in the event of working from home and implement such practices. Also to read guidance from Data Protection in relation to how to proceed should you be requested to provide details of clients for contact tracing, please follow this link for advice from the Data Protection Commissioner in this regard.

ACAP are endeavouring to source best practice information and resources to support members during this difficult time. ACAP are also working on the development of Tele and Online Therapy policy and protocol for members and will forward on when complete.

In the interim period see information the link to European Association for Psychotherapy Covid-19 Guidelines –https://www.europsyche.org/special-information-covid-19/

We wish our members and clients good health and care in these challenging times. We advise to strictly follow the Government and HSE Information protocols for health and safety in relation to COVID-19. We will continue to endeavour to do everything we can to provide updated information and resources to support our members. Working together we will get through this difficult time.

Take care.

ACAP Committee

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