Minor Reporting Policy
This policy defines the standards followed by Relicus Psychological Services regarding confidentiality, parental involvement, information sharing, and mandatory reporting when providing counselling or psychological services to clients below the age of 18.
Legal and Ethical Framework
Relicus functions within the legal framework of India and adheres strictly to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (2012), the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act (2015), and the Mental Healthcare Act (2017). Ethical principles including confidentiality, beneficence, non-maleficence, professional responsibility, and child protection guide clinical decision-making. In situations where ethical confidentiality conflicts with statutory obligations, legal mandates override professional discretion.
Parental Consent and Custody Considerations
Psychological services for minors require written consent from a parent or legal guardian holding legal custody. In cases of parental separation or divorce, custody arrangements must be disclosed. Relicus reserves the right to request supporting documentation where necessary. In joint custody situations, both parents are ordinarily informed when therapy commences, unless such notification is assessed to pose a potential risk to the child’s safety or wellbeing.
The Minor as a Client
In all therapeutic engagements, the minor is recognised as the primary client. Parents and guardians are involved as supportive stakeholders but are not recipients of full therapeutic disclosures. Any interactions with parents during the course of therapy are documented within the child’s clinical record and conducted with due regard to the child’s confidentiality.
Developmentally Sensitive Confidentiality
Relicus follows a developmentally sensitive confidentiality model. For children below 12 years of age, parents are provided with general information regarding progress, emotional wellbeing, and broad behavioural themes, without disclosure of specific session content. For adolescents between 12 and 17 years, a defined zone of privacy is respected, allowing them to discuss personal matters freely. Parents receive summary-level updates without verbatim disclosures, unless safety concerns necessitate otherwise.
Mandatory Limits to Confidentiality
Confidentiality must be breached when there is a credible risk of serious or immediate harm to the minor or to others; when there is disclosure or reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect; when child sexual abuse is identified, which must be reported under the POCSO Act; or when disclosure is legally required by a court order.
Wherever clinically appropriate, the minor is informed before such disclosures are made.
Ethical Discretion and Parental Disclosure
Certain behaviours may warrant parental disclosure when they indicate significant risk, such as substance dependence, repeated high-risk behaviours, or activities that pose immediate danger. Exploratory or low-risk behaviours that do not place the child in immediate harm are generally maintained as confidential. Clinicians exercise professional judgment and seek supervision when ethical dilemmas arise.
Access to Records and Legal Proceedings
Parents and guardians agree not to request access to therapy process notes. Clinical records are securely stored and disclosed only when legally mandated. Relicus clinicians do not participate in custody disputes or provide opinions on parental fitness. Any legally compelled disclosure is limited strictly to statutory requirements.
08. Supervision, Accountability, and Continuity
All clinical work involving minors is subject to professional supervision. Confidentiality obligations apply to all staff members and continue even after the therapeutic relationship has ended. Clinicians are expected to act responsibly, document decisions carefully, and prioritise the welfare of the child at all times.