Ms Treasa Fox:

That is an interesting question. We have to walk a thin line in understanding that our students are adults when they come to us. Almost all are 18 or over and only a small percentage of students are under 18. Our contract as organisations is with the students as adults. There is interesting stuff coming from some court cases in the UK about students experiencing poor mental health and suicidal risk. Some challenges were brought against the institutions because they did not involve the carers, the guardians or next-of-kin at an early enough point that they could have prevented tragedies. It is something we are still negotiating. Professor Dooley and I have had conversations about how institutions lean into that duty of care and set some boundaries. We must allow students to have their adulthood and be self-directed but we must also fulfil a duty of care where we contact family members or primary supporters when we are concerned about students. Different interventions are possible. For example we have a section on our website of advice for parents about how to support their sons and daughters. The biggest thing is communication. They must keep communication open all the time. The other thing we suggest frequently is students might want their parents to come and see their new world. We advise parents to be open and be prepared to do that, especially in the first semesters around the transition points. It is about being curious and showing interest in the students' new world and their exploration of it. However, within counselling services, except where risk is indicated, our contract is with the student and not so much with the parents. We will certainly listen and take on board some concerns and advise them how to get students into whatever services are needed. We can give that sort of advice but we cannot enter into discussions because of confidentiality.