Child Protection & Minor Reporting Policy
Our Minor Protection & Policy has been updated on 01th March, 2025.
At OPPAM, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and confidential mental health space for everyone, including minors (individuals below 18 years old).
If you are a minor booking therapy through OPPAM, or if you are a parent or guardian
booking on behalf of a minor, this policy explains:
- Our commitment to child safety and protection.
- Confidentiality rules for minors.
- Situations where we are legally required to report abuse, exploitation, or harm.
By booking therapy through OPPAM, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.
Who Can Book Therapy on OPPAM?
- Minors (Under 18 Years Old) → You can book therapy, but there are specific guidelines regarding confidentiality and safety.
- Parents/Guardians → If you are booking for a minor, you may be involved in the process under certain conditions
- Adults (18+ Years Old) → This policy does not apply to you unless you are booking for a minor
Confidentiality for Minors: What You Need to Know
At OPPAM, your privacy is important to us, but there are some exceptions to confidentiality
for minors.
- Your therapist will not share your therapy details with parents/guardians unless it is necessary for your safety.
- However, if you are at risk of abuse, exploitation, or harm, your therapist may need to report the situation to protect you.
- You will always be informed first if a report needs to be made.
Mandatory Reporting: When We Must Break Confidentiality
By law, therapists are required to report certain cases involving minors. This includes:
- Sexual exploitation, abuse, or grooming (including online abuse).
- Physical abuse or neglect by a parent, guardian, or any adult.
- Financial manipulation or coercion by any person.
- Severe mental health crises (such as self-harm, suicide risk, or harm to others).
If a therapist identifies any of these risks, they must report the case to the appropriate child protection authorities, helplines, or law enforcement agencies.
Our Process:
- We will first discuss concerns with you (the minor) and explain the need for reporting.
- We will take steps to ensure your emotional and physical safety.
- We will involve necessary child protection organizations if required by law
Therapy for Minors in Relationships or Facing Exploitation
- If a minor is in a romantic or sexual relationship involving coercion, financial abuse, or exploitation, therapy will focus on helping them recognize abuse and regain autonomy
- OPPAM does NOT offer couple therapy for minors in situations of power imbalance, coercion, or exploitation.
- If a minor is in danger, we prioritize safety over relationship concerns and take appropriate steps.
Booking Process for Minors
If you are under 18 and booking therapy through OPPAM:
- You may not need parental consent for therapy, depending on the therapist’s ethical guidelines and legal policies.
- Your therapist will assess your ability to make independent decisions (also known as “mature minor” principle in some legal frameworks).
- If parental involvement is required, your therapist will discuss it with you first.
Our Commitment to LGBTQ+ Minors
OPPAM is a safe space for LGBTQ+ minors who may face additional challenges such as:
- Family rejection, relationship abuse, or online grooming.
- Emotional and financial exploitation.
We provide confidential, affirming, and trauma-informed support for LGBTQ+ minors while ensuring legal protection against exploitation and abuse
Parental Involvement & Legal Considerations
- If a parent/guardian books therapy for a minor, they will not have automatic access to therapy session details.
- If a therapist determines that parental involvement is necessary for a minor’s well-being,
they will discuss this with the minor first before involving parents. - OPPAM follows local child protection laws and will comply with legal requirements
regarding minor safety and reporting.
Updates to This Policy
- We regularly update this policy to comply with evolving child protection laws and ethical standards.
For any questions about this policy, please contact help@oppam.me
