Is therapy for foster parents confidential?

Therapy for foster parents is private between you and the therapist, but it is not an unlimited promise of secrecy. Before sessions begin, you should be told what will remain confidential, who—if anyone—may receive information, how records are stored and the circumstances in which the therapist may need to share information.

Where therapy is arranged or funded through a fostering organisation, the organisation’s involvement does not normally give it access to the content of your conversations. The therapist should keep clinical notes separately from fostering records. Depending on the arrangement, the organisation may only be told practical information such as whether appointments are taking place, whether you have engaged with the support, or whether further help has been recommended. This should be explained to you in advance rather than assumed.

It is useful to distinguish between therapy and the fostering assessment or supervision process. Your therapist’s role is to support your wellbeing and explore personal difficulties. A supervising social worker or assessing social worker has a separate role in considering your fostering responsibilities and the safety of children in your care. A therapist should not ordinarily provide a running account of your thoughts, feelings or disclosures to the fostering team.

There are, however, situations in which information may need to be shared. These can include:

• a concern that a child or another person may be at risk of abuse, neglect or serious harm;
• a serious and immediate risk of harm to you or someone else;
• a court order or another legal duty requiring disclosure; or
• information that is necessary to manage a significant professional or safeguarding risk.

Where it is safe and lawful to do so, the therapist would usually discuss the concern with you and explain what information needs to be passed on, to whom and why. Disclosure should be limited to information that is relevant to the concern, rather than automatically sharing your whole therapy record.

Confidentiality can also be affected if you choose to involve another person. For example, a partner or family member may attend a session, or you may ask the therapist to speak with your social worker or GP. Agree the boundaries before sharing takes place: ask whether the discussion will be treated as part of your confidential therapy, what notes will be made and whether the other professional will receive a written summary.

At the first appointment, ask these practical questions:

• Who is the therapist accountable to?
• Who can see the notes, and where are they kept?
• Will the fostering organisation receive attendance information or progress updates?
• Would I be asked for consent before information is shared?
• What would happen if the therapist became concerned about safety?
• How can I request access to my personal information?

Therapists should provide a privacy notice or explain their confidentiality policy in plain language. Read this alongside any agreement issued by the fostering organisation, because the exact arrangements can vary according to who provides the therapy and whether sessions are individual or involve other people. If the boundaries are unclear, ask for clarification before discussing sensitive information.

Seeking therapy is not, by itself, evidence that someone is unsuitable to foster. The relevant issue is how any health concern affects parenting capacity, judgement and the ability to provide safe, consistent care. Confidentiality rules protect the therapeutic relationship, while safeguarding duties ensure that important risks are not ignored.