Common use of Minors and Parents Clause in Contracts

Minors and Parents. Clients under 14 years of age who are not emancipated and their parents should be aware that the law may allow parents to examine their child’s treatment records. Because privacy in psychotherapy is often crucial to successful progress, particularly with teenagers, it is sometimes my policy to request an agreement from parents that they consent to give up their access to the child’s records for children between the ages of 14 and 18. If they agree, during treatment I will provide them only with general information about the progress of the child’s treatment as well as his/her attendance at scheduled sessions. If requested I will also provide parents with either a verbal or written summary of their child’s treatment when it is complete. Any other communication will require the child’s authorization unless I feel that the child is in danger or is a danger to someone else, in which case I will notify the parents of my concern. Before giving parents any information, I will discuss the matter with the child (if possible) and do my best to handle any objections he/she may have.