Dorset Child and Family Counselling Trust (DCFCT) Information

The Dorset Child and Family Counselling Trust offers information, advice and guidance and commissions counselling services for children, adolescents and families where there are emotional, behavioural or other mental health problems. It is the aim of DCFCT to provide families with concerns about their children’s behaviour or development with information, advice and guidance on what counselling can achieve, what services are available and to commission counselling as appropriate in consultation with the family. The NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) provides an excellent and vitally needed service across Dorset. Some cases do not yet meet the criteria for CAMHS services but can benefit from the early provision of counselling. This may prevent the worsening of problems with the growing risk of self-harm, abuse and severe emotional disorder. Furthermore, many cases will not result in a formal diagnosis, leaving the underlying issues unaddressed or may be addressed effectively without recourse to formal diagnosis if counselling is made available in a timely fashion. The Dorset Child and Family Counselling Trust offers a grant-supported service for children, adolescents and families where there are emotional, behavioural or other mental health problems.