Introduction
Tokyo Play Therapy Room (TPTR)
Tokyo Play Therapy Room (TPTR), operating in Japan and under the professional framework of Play Therapy UK (PTUK), takes its safeguarding responsibilities seriously at all times.
As an organisation supporting children’s mental health and well-being, TPTR prioritises the safety and welfare of all children and will act on any behaviour, concern, or information that may place a child at risk.
This policy is informed by:
- The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Relevant safeguarding standards of Play Therapy UK (PTUK)
- The Child Welfare Act of Japan
- The Act on the Prevention of Child Abuse of Japan
For the purpose of this policy, a child is defined as any person under the age of 18.
Definition of Safeguarding
Safeguarding means:
- Protecting children from maltreatment
- Preventing impairment of children’s health or development
- Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with safe and effective care
- Taking action to enable all children to achieve the best possible outcomes
Definition of Child Protection
Child Protection refers to the actions undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.
Definition of Child Abuse
Child abuse includes all forms of:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse and exploitation
- Neglect or negligent treatment
- Commercial or other exploitation
This includes any action — deliberate or through failure to act — that results in actual or potential harm to a child.
Abuse may be committed by individuals or institutions and may be intentional or unintentional.
Safeguarding and Confidentiality
While TPTR is committed to maintaining client confidentiality, the safety and welfare of the child is paramount.
If a safeguarding concern arises, confidentiality may be breached where necessary to protect the child, in accordance with Japanese law and professional safeguarding standards.
Reporting Concerns
TPTR has a duty to act on any safeguarding concerns reported to us by clients, parents, professionals, or members of the public.
Where there is reasonable suspicion that a child is at risk of harm, TPTR will report concerns to the appropriate public authority without delay.
The therapist acts as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
National Reporting Contacts (Japan)
- Child Guidance Centre Abuse Response Dial (いちはやく) – 189
(Connects to the nearest Child Guidance Centre) - 24-hour Child SOS Hotline – 0120-0-78310
(Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)
In situations of immediate danger, emergency services (110) may be contacted.
Complaints
TPTR accepts safeguarding-related complaints from the public, authorities, and other external parties.
Complaints may be submitted via email: