Working with Separated Families

At Blueprint Psychology, we are committed to providing ethical, professional, and client-centred care for children and families navigating separation. Our approach is informed by guidelines from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc. (AAPi), ensuring that the well-being of children remains our primary focus.

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Our Commitment

• Child-Centred Approach: We prioritise the emotional and psychological well-being of children in all interactions.

• Respectful Collaboration: We aim to work collaboratively with both parents, respecting their roles and responsibilities.

• Confidentiality and Privacy: Information shared in sessions is managed in line with ethical and legal obligations.

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Guidelines for Separated Families

We will adhere to any court orders regarding the attendance of parents/carers and decision making for sessions or assessments, ensuring these requirements are applied consistently across all relevant situations.

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Joint Decision-Making

• Where legally possible, we encourage both parents to participate in decisions regarding their child’s care, especially when initiating therapy or assessments.

• Where court orders exist, they must be provided at the time of booking to ensure compliance with court orders.

Appointment Scheduling and Attendance

• Either parent or legal guardian may schedule appointments, contingent on the court orders provided at the time of booking.

• Both parents are welcome to attend appointments, fostering a collaborative approach, also subject to court orders.

Sharing Information

• To maintain transparency, we recommend that parents share updates about sessions and progress with each other.

• Upon request, reports can be provided to both parents, subject to legal and ethical considerations, including any restrictions specified in court orders.

Payment Responsibilities

• Payment is required at the time of service.

• If a cost-sharing arrangement exists between parents, it is the responsibility of the attending parent to arrange reimbursement. We do not offer split billing.

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Service Limitations

Legal Assessments

• Our psychologists do not provide assessments or reports intended solely for legal decision making in family court matters.

• Our focus is on therapeutic support and the child’s emotional and psychological well-being.

Conflict Resolution

• In cases of significant parental conflict, we may require signed consent from both parents or court orders to proceed with services, ensuring compliance with court orders in all relevant scenarios.

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How You Can Support Your Child

• Provide Relevant Information: Share any legal documentation, previous assessments, or relevant family details during the initial appointment.

• Collaborate Respectfully: Where possible and subject to court orders, work together with the other parent and our team to create a supportive environment for your child.

• Communicate Openly: Encourage open dialogue with your child’s therapist to ensure their needs are met.

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Need Assistance? If you have any questions about our approach to working with separated families, please contact us at 1300 490 901 or via email at reception@blueprintpsychology.com.au. We are here to support your family through this journey with care and professionalism.

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This policy is guided by APS and AAPi standards to ensure ethical and effective care for children and families.