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Counseling Department » Ethical Responsibilities

Ethical Responsibilities

Confidentiality

School counselors recognize their primary obligation for confidentiality is to the student but balance that obligation with an understanding of the family or guardians’ legal and inherent rights to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives.

The role of the school counselor in regards to confidentiality is: 
  • To support the students’ right to privacy and protect confidential information received from students, the family, guardians and staff members.
  • To inform students and the family of the limits to confidentiality when:    
    • Student poses a danger to self or others     
    • Court ordered disclosure     
    • Consultation with other professionals in support of the student i.e. colleagues, supervisors, treatment teams, and other support personnel 
  • To adhere to all laws protecting student records, health information, and special services (i.e., HIPAA, FERPA, IDEA).