22

Counselling notes' therapeutic purpose requires strict enforcement of reasonable disclosure grounds.

Conclusion
The primary purpose of counselling is therapeutic not investigative. The law should still allow for disclosure of those notes where their probative value merits it; but the reasonable grounds test must be respected and enforced effectively if victim confidence in the criminal justice system is to be sustained.
Paragraph Reference
82
Government Response

A response document is linked to this report, dated 19 January 2023. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.

Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Justice
Timeline
Recommendation age 4.0 yrs
Report published 30 Sep 2022