Austin ISD is dedicated to the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and visitors. As part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with state law, Austin ISD is providing this notice to inform our community about Texas Senate Bill 12 that was passed during the 89th Legislative session. Senate Bill 12 requires school districts to notify parents of staff services related to mental health and to obtain the parent or guardian’s written consent before a district employee or contractor provides a psychological or psychiatric examination or test to their child.
As outlined by law in Texas Education Code §33.005 School Counselors are required to perform certain duties within a Comprehensive School Counseling Programs.
As described by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), School Counselors routinely provide the following services:
- Advise students and their parents regarding the importance of postsecondary education, coursework designed to prepare students for postsecondary education, and financial aid availability and requirements;
- Early mental health prevention and intervention;
- Building skills related to managing emotions, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and responsible decision-making;
- Substance abuse prevention and intervention;
- Suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention;
- Grief-informed and trauma-informed practices;
- Positive school climates, meaning the quality and character of school life, including interpersonal relationships, teaching and learning practices, and organizational structures, as experienced by students enrolled in the District, parents of those students, and personnel employed by the District;
- Positive behavior interventions and supports;
- Positive youth development; and
- Safe, supportive, and positive school climate.
Austin ISD offers additional mental health services through our Licensed Mental Health Professionals (LMHPs)
LMHPs provide social work services and direct counseling support. They are an extension of school counselors and work closely with campus administration teams and families to provide support to students and families needing more individualized support. Services may include short-term counseling to students through Austin ISD School Mental Health Centers. Their work helps to promote academic success and overall student success.
Responsive Services Support Notice:
School Counselors and Licensed Mental Health Professionals (LMHPs) may provide brief, responsive support to students in the moment when concerns arise, which may include listening and offering immediate strategies to help the student return to learning. In accordance with SB12, if a School Counselors or an LMHP determines that ongoing, planned, or systematic services, such as scheduled counseling sessions or school-based therapy, are appropriate, a separate, specific consent for those services will be obtained from the parent/guardian before they begin.
In addition, all District employees are required to report alleged abuse or neglect of a student as require by law.
Under state law, a child may consent to counseling for themselves as it relates to suicide prevention; chemical addiction or dependency; or sexual or emotional abuse.
