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

1. Respect and Consent

   • We always respect a child’s personal space and seek verbal or non-verbal consent before offering any form of touch.

   • Children have the right to say no to touch at any time, and their wishes will always be honoured.

2. Therapeutic Touch Only

   • Any physical contact is used solely for therapeutic purposes, such as reassurance, grounding, or modelling healthy touch.

   • Acceptable forms of touch may include a light touch on the arm or shoulder for comfort or a high-five to celebrate achievements.

   • 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.

3. Cultural Sensitivity and Individual Needs

   • We recognise that each child has unique cultural, personal, and developmental experiences that influence their comfort with touch.

   • Touch will always be adapted to respect the child's background and individual boundaries.

4. Parental Involvement and Transparency

   • Parents and guardians will be informed of our Safe Touch Policy before therapy begins.

   • If any concerns regarding touch arise, these will be openly discussed with the child’s parent or carer.

5. Professional Standards and Safeguarding

   • All therapists adhere to the ethical guidelines set by Play Therapy UK (PTUK), The British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and the Theraplay Institute.

   • 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.

6. Supervision and Accountability

   • Play therapists receive regular supervision to reflect on and review their practice to ensure professional integrity and adherence to safeguarding procedures.

   • Any physical contact is subject to professional discretion and in the child’s best interest.​

Conclusion​

The well-being of children is our highest priority. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of trust, respect, and emotional security.