DCCS Resource Centre
Supporting Young People (Ages 16–17)
Online counselling may offer a young person a private space to discuss anxiety, low mood, relationships, school or college pressures and life changes. Additional assessment and safeguarding steps apply because the client is under 18.
Suitability assessment
Counselling does not begin automatically after an enquiry. DCCS considers the young person’s needs, capacity to participate, current risks, privacy during online sessions, physical location and whether remote counselling is clinically appropriate.
Consent and participation
Information must be explained in a way the young person can understand. Their willingness and capacity to take part are central. The appropriate consent arrangements depend on the individual circumstances and are established before ongoing counselling begins.
Parent or guardian consultation
Where appropriate, an initial parent or guardian consultation may form part of the assessment. Involvement is considered individually and is not automatically required in the same way for every young person. The boundaries of any involvement should be clear to everyone.
Confidentiality
Counselling is treated confidentially, but it is not absolute. Relevant information may need to be shared if there is a serious concern about safety or welfare, or where disclosure is required by law or professional responsibility. These limits are explained before counselling begins.
Safeguarding
DCCS has legal and professional responsibilities relating to child protection. Suitable emergency and safeguarding arrangements must be established for online work. If a concern meets the statutory reporting threshold, information may need to be reported to Tusla or another appropriate service.
Frequently asked questions
A parent or guardian can make the initial enquiry, but the young person’s own views matter. The first contact does not guarantee that counselling will be offered. If online counselling is not suitable, DCCS will explain this clearly and may suggest another appropriate route where possible.