This document provides important information about the counseling services offered at Colorado Elementary/Middle School and requests your informed consent for your child to participate. Please read this document carefully and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Purpose of School Counseling Services
The school counseling program at Colorado Elementary/Middle School is an integral part of the school’s educational mission. Our certified school counselors are trained professionals who provide support to students in three main areas:
Academic Development: Helping students develop skills for academic success, explore post-secondary options, and plan for their future.
Career Development: Guiding students in career exploration, understanding interests, aptitude, and developing career goals.
Social/emotional development: assisting students in developing self-awareness, managing emotions, building healthy relationships, resolving conflicts, and coping with personal changes.
Counseling services are typically short-term, solution-focused, and preventative in nature. They may be delivered through individual counseling, small group counseling, classroom guidance lessons, and consultation with parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators. Times and frequency may vary based on the needs of the student and/or the scheduling of their courses and activities. Parents are welcome to communicate with their school counselor about insights and/or concerns regarding scheduling.
II. Nature of Counseling Services
Voluntary Participation: Student participation in counseling is generally voluntary. While school personnel may refer students for counseling, the decision to engage in ongoing counseling services rests with the student and, significantly, with their parent/guardian.
Confidentiality: Confidentiality is a cornerstone of effective counseling. Information shared by your child in counseling sessions will be kept confidential by the school counselor, with the following exceptions:
○ Imminent Harm: If the counselor believes your child is an immediate danger to themselves or others.
○ Abuse/Neglect: If the counselor suspects child abuse or neglect, they are mandated by law to report this to Child Protective Services (CPS).
○ Court Order: If required by a court order. ○ Permission to Share: With your written permission or your child’s written permission (if they are legally able to provide consent according to their age).
○ Consultation: In consultation with other school professionals (e.g., administrators, teachers) on a need-to-know basis to ensure your child’s safety, well-being, or academic success, always with the aim of maintaining as much privacy as possible.
○ Supervision: School counselors may discuss cases with their clinical supervisor to ensure the highest quality of care; in such instances, identifying information will be de-identified where possible.
Limits to Confidentiality for Minors: As your child is a minor, you, as the parent/guardian, generally have the right to information regarding your child's counseling, unless otherwise stipulated by law (e.g., Texas Family Code, Chapter 32, which allows certain minors to consent to counseling without parental consent in specific circumstances, such as for chemical addiction, drug or alcohol dependency, or suicide prevention, and in such cases, confidentiality rules apply differently). The school counselor will discuss these limits with your child at the outset of counseling.
Counseling Methods: Counselors utilize various evidence-based techniques tailored to the student’s needs, which may include talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral strategies, play therapy techniques (for younger students), solution-focused brief counseling, and psychoeducation.
III. Parent/Guardian Involvement and Communication
We believe that a collaborative approach between the school, student, and family is crucial for student success.
○ Initial Contact: You will typically be notified if your child is referred for ongoing counseling services, prior to initiation of services.
○ Updates: The school counselor will communicate with you as appropriate regarding your child's general progress and any significant concerns, while respecting the boundaries of confidentiality.
○ Consultation: You are encouraged to communicate with the school counselor to discuss your child's needs and progress.
○ Right to Decline/Withdraw: You have the right to decline counseling services for your child or withdraw your child from counseling at any time. Please inform the school counselor in writing if you wish to do so.
○ Referrals to Outside Services: If your child’s needs extend beyond the scope of school counseling services (e.g., require long-term therapy, psychiatric evaluation, or specialized interventions), the school counselor will assist you with referrals to appropriate community resources.
IV. Records Management
Confidentiality of Counseling Records: Counseling records are maintained separately from your child’s academic record and are considered confidential. Access to these records is restricted to the school counselor and authorized personnel on a need-to-know basis, consistent with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and state law.
Retention: Counseling records are retained according to district policy and state guidelines.
V. Counselor Qualifications
Our school counselors are certified by the Texas Education Agency and hold master's or doctoral degrees in school counseling or a related field. They adhere to the ethical guidelines set forth by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors.
VI. Emergency Procedures
In the event of a crisis or emergency situation (e.g., thoughts of self-harm or harm to others), the school counselor will follow established school and district crisis protocols, which may include notifying parents/guardians, school administration, and, if necessary, emergency services.
VII. Consent for Participation
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the information provided in this Informed Consent document. I have had the opportunity to ask questions and have received satisfactory answers. I understand that I may withdraw my child from any specified activity outlined in SB 12, TEC Chapter 1, Section 1, §1.007 and §1.009.
