[BCM] [SHINE] [E3] [BIA] [T2] [CBF] [4] Counselling & Therapy Services (SH.IFT and related programmes)

Part 3 – Impact Over Time of Business Functions

CBF-4 Counselling & Therapy Services (SH.IFT and related programmes)

This chapter evaluates how disruptions to the Critical Business Function (CBF-04) Counselling & Therapy Services—including SH.IFT and related programmes—affect SHINE Children and Youth Services over progressively longer timeframes.

Counselling and therapy services involve direct engagement with children, youths, and families who require timely psychosocial support.

As such, interruptions can quickly lead to adverse outcomes such as delayed care, reduced emotional stability, risk escalation, and compromised therapeutic progress.

The Impact Over Time assessment uses a scale of 1 (Lowest Impact) to 5 (Highest Impact) to reflect how operational disruptions intensify over durations ranging from 4 hours to 60 days. This systematic evaluation supports:

• Identification of Sub-CBFs requiring the fastest recovery.
• The determination of Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Maximum Tolerable Periods of Disruption (MTPD).
• Prioritisation of continuity strategies to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential therapeutic support for vulnerable beneficiaries.

Table P3: Impact Over Time of Business Functions for CBF-4

Understanding the impact over time of the Sub-CBFs under CBF-4 Counselling & Therapy Services is essential for ensuring continuity of care for SHINE’s beneficiaries.

The analysis reveals that certain functions—particularly Crisis Intervention (CBF-4.4), Assessment and Intake (CBF-4.1), Case Documentation (CBF-4.9), and Individual Counselling (CBF-4.2)—exhibit rapid increases in impact and therefore require short Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and close monitoring during disruptions.

Other functions, such as Therapeutic Programme Development and Monitoring & Evaluation, tolerate more prolonged disruptions but remain necessary to maintain long-term programme quality and compliance.

This structured assessment helps SHINE prioritise resource allocation, develop effective contingency strategies, and safeguard client well-being across all counselling and therapy services. It also ensures alignment with best-practice guidelines outlined in BCM standards and BCMpedia.

Part 4 - Supporting IT Systems and Applications

CBF-4 Counselling & Therapy Services (SH.IFT and related programmes)

 

In this section, we focus on the essential IT systems, applications, and technology resources required to ensure the continuous operation of SHINE’s Counselling & Therapy Services (CBF-04).

For each sub-function within this critical business function, we will identify the IT systems that are critical, along with the Recovery Point Objective (RPO) and System Recovery Time Objective (RTO).

This analysis also includes the specialised equipment and resources required to support the business function’s recovery in the event of disruptions.

These IT systems and applications support SHINE’s mission to provide high-quality services to children, youth, and families facing challenges.

Table P4: Supporting IT Systems and Applications for CBF-4

Sub-CBF Code	Sub-CBF	IT Systems and Applications	RPO	System RTO	Supporting Special Equipment or Resources	Remarks
4.1	Assessment and Intake Services	Client Management System (CMS), Intake Scheduling Software	24 hours	4 hours	Client intake forms, electronic signature pads	Key for tracking new client cases and initial assessments
4.2	Individual Counselling Sessions	Virtual Counselling Platform (e.g., Zoom for Healthcare), Electronic Health Record (EHR) System	12 hours	2 hours	Headsets, webcams, EHR access tools	Ensures confidential and effective therapy sessions
4.3	Group Therapy Sessions	Virtual Group Therapy Platform, Video Conferencing Tools, Group Activity Management Software	24 hours	2 hours	Group video conferencing equipment, session recording tools	Facilitates group interactions, with digital record-keeping
4.4	Crisis Intervention and Immediate Support	Crisis Alert System, Mobile Communication Apps (e.g., for immediate family or external agency collaboration)	1 hour	1 hour	Mobile devices, GPS locator for staff during crises	Vital in case of emergency or sudden need for intervention
4.5	Therapeutic Program Development	Program Development Tools, Therapy Content Management Software, Collaboration Platforms	48 hours	8 hours	Program design software, therapy framework documents	Ensures therapeutic plans are developed on time
4.6	Family Therapy and Support	Family Interaction Tracking System, Video Conferencing for Family Sessions, EHR System	12 hours	3 hours	Video conferencing equipment, Family Therapy session tracking tools	Support systems for family-involved therapy are essential
4.7	Referrals and Collaboration with External Agencies	Referral Management Software, External Agency Network System, Communication Platforms	24 hours	4 hours	Secure email system, fax and document sharing resources	Critical for efficient inter-agency collaboration
4.8	Monitoring and Evaluation of Therapy Effectiveness	Outcome Measurement Software, Data Analytics Tools, Therapy Feedback Systems	12 hours	6 hours	Data visualisation tools, feedback surveys	Vital for tracking therapy success and progress
4.9	Case Documentation and Record-Keeping	EHR System, Case Management Software, Document Management System (DMS)	6 hours	1 hour	Digital file storage, scanning devices for physical records	Essential for regulatory compliance and client history tracking

 

 

The IT systems and applications outlined above are integral to the success of SHINE’s Counselling & Therapy Services (CBF-04). They enable the efficient and secure delivery of services, from initial client intake to ongoing therapeutic support and case documentation.

The systems ensure timely and accurate record-keeping and real-time communication with clients and external agencies.

In the event of disruptions, the defined Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) ensure that these critical services can be restored promptly, minimising service interruptions and maintaining the quality of care for children and youth in need.

 

Continuity of Care: Ensuring SHINE’s Mission Through Effective BCM
eBook 3: Starting Your BCM Implementation
MBCO	P&S	RAR T1	RAR T2	RAR T3	BCS T1	CBF
CBF-04 Counselling & Therapy Services (SH.IFT and related programmes)
DP	BIAQ T1	BIAQ T2	BIAQ T3	BCS T2	BCS T3	PD