Terms & Conditions Minors
Parental Consent & Coaching Agreement
(for Clients Under 18)
1. Nature of Coaching
Coaching is a professional relationship designed to support personal growth, goal-setting, decision-making, and self-development. Coaching is not therapy, counselling, mental health treatment, or medical advice, and should not be used as a substitute for such services.
Coaching provides a space for teens to explore their direction and make sense of their life in the present moment. However, the responsibility to take action and move towards goals rests with the client.
2. Session Structure
- Sessions are 45 or 90 minutes depending on the package.
- Sessions may take place in person, online (secure platform), or by phone and is at the discretion of the coach.
3. Fees & Payment
- Fees are agreed in advance.
- Payment is due when booking.
- Payments accepted via Stripe
4. Cancellations & Rescheduling
- A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling.
- Sessions cancelled with less than this notice may be charged in full.
5. Termination of Coaching
Either the client or the coach may end the coaching relationship at any time, with notice.
6. Confidentiality and Child Protection
Coaching conversations are treated with respect and privacy. However, in line with Children First Act 2015 and National Guidance (2017), confidentiality may be broken if:
- The child is at risk of harm.
- Abuse or neglect is suspected.
- Required by law.
7. Parental Involvement
General updates may be shared with parents/guardians, but the details of sessions remain private to the child unless safety concerns arise.
8. Emergency Protocol
Parents/guardians must provide emergency contact information. In emergencies or where child protection issues arise, the coach may contact parents/guardians, Tusla, or emergency services.
9. Communication
Agreed safe communication channels may be used (e.g., phone, email, video conferencing).
10. Liability
Coaching requires active participation. The client is solely responsible for their own decisions, actions, and results. The coach cannot be held liable for outcomes except in cases of gross negligence or misconduct.
11. Privacy & Data Protection
Personal information is handled securely and in line with data protection laws (including GDPR for EU clients). Notes are kept confidential and never shared without consent unless legally required.
12. Teen Acknowledgment
Coaching is a place where I can talk about what’s going on in my life and think about where I want to go. I understand that I am responsible for my own actions and progress, and that success depends on me taking responsibility and owning my part.
Child Protection Policy
1. Policy Statement
Coaching by MK is committed to safeguarding the children and young people in our care. The welfare of the child is paramount, and we are dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where children can explore their potential.
This policy has been developed in line with the Children First Act 2015 and Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).
2. Scope
This policy applies to all coaching activities provided by Coaching by MK to clients under 18 years of age, whether in person or online.
3. Key Principles
- The welfare of the child is paramount.
- Children have a right to be protected from harm.
- Parents/guardians have a primary role in the upbringing and protection of their children.
- Our role is to support children while ensuring any concerns about their welfare are dealt with promptly and appropriately.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
Maureen Keaney - mandated person
5. Recognising Child Abuse
Abuse can be categorised as: neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.
6. Responding to Disclosures
Steps: Listen, don’t promise confidentiality, reassure, record, report.
7. Reporting Procedure
- Report to Tusla using CPWRF form.
- If immediate danger: contact An Garda Síochána.
- Keep secure records.
8. Confidentiality and Record-Keeping
Only share information on a need-to-know basis unless required to share by law.
9. Code of Behaviour
Safe sessions, professional boundaries, parent awareness, secure communication.
10. Garda Vetting and Training
Coach will undergo vetting and training.
11. Complaints Procedure
Concerns may be raised directly with Maureen Keaney.
12. Review
Reviewed every 2 years or sooner if required.
Child Safeguarding Statement
1. Commitment to Safeguarding
Coaching by MK is committed to safeguarding the children and young people in our care. I believe that the welfare of the child is paramount, and I am committed to providing a safe environment where children are protected from harm.
2. Risk Assessment
I have carried out an assessment of potential risks to children while availing of my services. The following risks were identified and will be addressed through our procedures:
- Risk of harm due to inappropriate communication or lack of professional boundaries.
- Risk of harm if child protection concerns are not recognised or reported.
- Risk of harm from lack of parental/guardian awareness of the limits of confidentiality.
- Risk of harm due to online or remote coaching without appropriate safeguards.
3. Procedures in Place
- Reporting Procedures: In line with the Children First Act 2015 and Children First: National Guidance (2017), concerns about a child’s welfare will be reported to Tusla.
- Confidentiality: Children are informed at the outset that while coaching is private, any disclosure that indicates risk of harm cannot be kept confidential.
- Parental Consent: Written consent is required from a parent/guardian for all clients under 18.
- Professional Boundaries: Coaching sessions will take place in appropriate, safe settings (or via secure online platforms), with clear communication boundaries.
- Garda Vetting: The coach will undergo Garda vetting to ensure suitability to work with children.
- Training: The coach will remain up to date on **Children First e-learning** and safeguarding best practice.
-The coach is a member of the Irish Guidance Counsellor Society of Ireland
4. Implementation and Review
- This Child Safeguarding Statement has been developed in accordance with the Children First Act 201 and Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).
- This statement will be reviewed every 2 years or sooner if there is a material change in the service or relevant legislation.
Youth-Friendly Code of Ethics
1. Respect
I will always treat you with respect, honesty, and fairness. Your thoughts, feelings, and opinions matter.
2. Confidentiality (Privacy)
What you share with me stays private, except if:
- You are in danger of being hurt.
- You might hurt yourself or someone else.
- The law requires me to share it.
3. Your Responsibility
Coaching helps you explore where you are now and where you want to go. I will support you, but you are responsible for your own actions and choices.
4. Safe Boundaries
Sessions happen in safe places or secure online platforms. I will not contact you through personal social media. Parents/guardians will always know when sessions are happening.
5. Care and Safety
If I feel you need more help, I may suggest talking to your parent/guardian about seeing a doctor, counsellor, or another professional.
6. Honesty
I will always be clear about what coaching is and what it is not. I will not make promises about results I cannot keep.
7. Complaints or Worries
If you are unhappy about something in coaching, you (or your parent/guardian) can tell me. I promise to listen and try to put things right.