Young people can often worry about telling professionals about their personal lives and their behaviours. They worry about being judged and think that professionals may share what they have told them with others.
Professionals working with children and young people are required to keep information confidential, that is not share it with other people, even your parents, carers or guardians.
Professionals DO have to share some information. This is when you or another person is suffering, or may be at risk of harm, exploitation or abuse. In this situation, a professional will always try to talk this through with you before sharing information. They are required to do this by law as part of child protection and safeguarding procedures. This is to protect young people from being hurt, injured or negatively affected by a situation.
Find where to get FREE drug and alcohol advice services near you
There are also lots of useful websites where you can get further information, and many have free helplines.
