Invitation to participate in the 2PS survey on reporting and discretion exercised by professionals when working with people who have a sexual interest in children or are at risk of offending against children
The 2PS Project is an EU-funded initiative that brings together a wide network of European
partners dedicated to supporting and addressing the mental health needs of individuals with a
sexual interest in children and, at the same time, addressing the importance of prevention.
A specific part of the 2PS project consists of writing a report on the legal frameworks in the EU
and some key non-EU countries (Australia, Canada, Switzerland, the UK, and the US) related to
mandatory reporting rules and their implementation and impact in practice, essentially trying to
clarify the playing field for mental health practitioners in specific countries:
to what extent can confidentiality or even anonymity (e.g. an online anonymous support programme) be ensured?
Anonymity and confidentiality are important requirements for a successful therapeutic
relationship, but at the same time legal requirements to breach that secrecy may apply when
there is an imminent risk of harm to a child.
As part of the 2PS work, these situations must be explored to clarify the legal framework and its application in practice. The survey is not meant to imply that individuals with a sexual interest in children who are seeking treatment, are to be considered to be at risk of offending against a child. Rather, it is the nature of mandatory reporting obligations that such reporting obligations apply in situations where there may be a (perceived) risk of imminent (threat of) harm to a child.
To explore the application of mandatory reporting obligations in practice, an anonymous online survey has been set up, which aims to gather valuable insights from mental health practitioners
in the EU, EEA, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, the UK, and the US on the exercise of professional discretion within the framework of national reporting requirements. The aim is to clarify the legal boundaries of mandatory reporting obligations, ultimately contributing to the development of effective and impactful European policy.
The survey consists of five case studies and takes about 20 minutes. The survey currently still
needs a lot of input, so your contribution is very valuable. The survey is open until 15 January
2025 at the following link:
https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/2PSSurvey2024
Help us today, to shape effective and meaningful European policy for tomorrow!
