Confidentiality in suicide cases – your views sought
The Department of Health (DoH) is inviting BASW members to comment on how better to support families who are worried that a loved one is at risk, and also those who are coping with the aftermath of a suicide of a family member.
Following concerns raised by the National Suicide Prevention Strategy Advisory Group, key professional organisations are being approached about a consensus position on confidentiality and supporting families and suicidal people.
The DoH has recently held a public consultation on a draft suicide prevention strategy, and one of the main changes is the inclusion of more measures to support families.
It has drafted a statement to clarify that practitioners have permission to use their judgement in individual cases. It is anticipated that a final consensus statement will be available by the end of June.
Please send your comments on the statement to j.godden@basw.co.uk