Date: 25 02 2022
Section A2: "Chaperones" of CNHC's Code of Conduct, Ethics and Performance says:
"You must identify when there is a need for another person to be present when you are assessing or caring for a client, and make appropriate arrangements for this to happen.”
The Guidance to this section has changed. It previously stated that If the client is a child under the age of 16, another person should always be present. We now advise that a parent or guardian should be present but, depending on your assessment, you may decide not to have a parent or guardian present.
The updated Guidance for Section A2 in full is now as follows:
- If the client is a child under the age of 16 it is advisable to have a parent or guardian present. This is to protect the child from the possibility of any inappropriate behaviour on your part and also to protect you from any false allegations of such behaviour. Nonetheless you can base your decision to have a parent or guardian present on a case-by-case basis taking into account the age or vulnerability of the child and the type of treatment being provided, along with the views of the child and the views of the parent or guardian. Following your assessment, when a decision is made not to have a parent or guardian present, you should make a note on the child's record, fully explaining your decision.
- It might be appropriate to have another person present if the client is an adult at risk.
- Clients might also ask for someone to be with them when they are being assessed or cared for.
- You also have the right to decide whether in the best interests of yourself and the client another person should be present, even if the client has not asked for this.
We have added this change in an Addendum to the Code which you can find here and have contacted all our Registrants to inform them of the change. The Code is being redesigned to incorporate the change and we will publish a revised version soon.
Contact us
If you have any questions or comments, please contact is at info@cnhc.org.uk