https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents Legal Guide for Professional School Counselors en-us 2022-09-27 18:10:26 UTC 2025-12-04 02:53:03 UTC hello@padlet.com kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316476275  After serving eighteen years as a career and technology teacher, I currently serve as a middle school counselor. I am currently pursuing my masters degree in Professional School Counseling at Angelo State University. Include why you chose this topic. ]]> 2022-09-27 23:51:26 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316476275 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316476553  According to Mrs. Sommerfeild, It is crucial for counselors to step in as soon as possible when students are having thoughts or ideas of harming themselves. Building relationships with parents to help prevent self-harm once students leave our campuses is crucial because we can only guarantee students' safety while they are under our care (T. Sommerfeild, personal communication, September 23, 2022).
Like most things in education self-harm policies are impacted either by the state or the district.  Counselors are also required to abide by rules established by Senate and House bills regarding legal matters.

]]> 2022-09-27 23:51:46 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316476553 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316477529 After and eight year old committed suicide, parents sued two administrators alleging they did not properly handle their sons severe bullying allegations. ]]> 2022-09-27 23:52:54 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316477529 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316477615  This article discussed that suicide is on the rise since the pandemic. Clark county is combating this with Social emotional Learning as well as other mental health supports. ]]> 2022-09-27 23:52:59 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316477615 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316478602

The agency, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Commission and regional education service centers, shall provide and annually update a list of recommended best practice-based programs and research-based practices in the areas specified under Subsection (c) for implementation in public elementary, junior high, middle, and high schools within the general education setting.

Each school district may select from the list provided under Subsection (a) a program or programs appropriate for implementation in the district.

]]> 2022-09-27 23:54:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316478602 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316478662 This bill 

• Allows State and local public health departments to create a program to expand and intensify surveillance of self-harm. 
• Establish a grant program to provide self-harm and suicide prevention services in hospital emergency departments, and for other purposes.

]]> 2022-09-27 23:54:04 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316478662 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316479274 Eisel vs. Board of Education of Montgomery County
The plaintiff (the father of Nicole Eisel, 13), filed a wrongful death suit against the Maryland Board of Education, claiming that school counselors have a duty to intervene to try to prevent a student's threatened suicide.]]> 2022-09-27 23:54:46 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316479274 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316479981 Belton ISD has a Self-Harm protocol in place to keep track of details pertaining to these behaviors. As a part of this protocol, this includes 

• Checklist for counselors to complete to determine if the statements or actions are truly an out-cry as opposed to an out-burst. 
• A safety contract which is completed in conjunction with the student
• Resources for the families

]]> 2022-09-27 23:55:29 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316479981 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316483628 Identify one item in your professional code of ethics related to your topic or related to an ethical dilemma that can come up in scenarios related to your topic. Include the ethical code item, citation for the code of ethics, link to the code of ethics, and approximately 2 sentences explaining the connection to your topic.]]> 2022-09-27 23:58:48 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316483628 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316483991 I have researched a variety of approaches to interact with students and support their academic and personal success throughout my educational journey. However, it is crucial that I protect pupils in accordance with the law and ethical standards. The initial out-cries of student suicide are frequently made to school counselors, but it is still unclear what should be done in many of these cases. Reviewing legislation, court rulings, and administrative policies in relation to student suicide is beneficial from both perspectives of legal requirements and ethical values. This information will enable me to better prepare myself for these scenarios as a counselor.]]> 2022-09-27 23:59:14 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316483991 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316484734

Err on the side of caution. Any statement of self-harm MUST be taken seriously.  

ALWAYS call parents

Remain up to date on all legal and ethical requirements as well as any policies that your district may have in place.

Have a checklist of the important questions to ask, because in the heat of the moment you will forget them.

Use risk assessments with caution as well as consulting others on your counseling team. 

Develop a safety or action plan to prevent tragedy. 

Offer outside approved resources to parents or guardians

 Follow up with both student and family.

Remain nonjudgemental and supportive at all times.

]]> 2022-09-27 23:59:58 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316484734 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316535391 Although school counselors are the primary audience, this guide could be shared with teachers, administrators, community stakeholders, and/or through graduate programs.]]> 2022-09-28 00:41:31 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316535391 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316545070 Because of the increasing number of middle school students who exhibit a desire to harm themselves, I chose the topic of coping with suicidal students. Suicide is the third highest cause of death among young people. According to a 2010 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13.8 percent of American high school students had seriously considered suicide, and 6.3 percent have attempted suicide. In my three months as a middle school counselor, I handled with seven students who had suicidal thoughts. Knowing the legal ramifications of assisting these students is a crucial part of my job as a school counselor.]]> 2022-09-28 00:49:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316545070 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316549586 This website offers a two-hour online interactive training program Addressing the responsibilities of educators in the process of identification and referral of potentially suicidal youth]]> 2022-09-28 00:53:32 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316549586 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316598094 According to the American School Counselors Association, the benefits of implementing comprehensive suicide prevention/awareness programs allow school counselors to ensure students and faculty are well-prepared to address and identify negative thoughts and experiences that may lead to suicidal ideation(American School Counselors Association, 2018). This website states the ASCA's position as well as the school counselor's role in the program. ]]> 2022-09-28 01:31:06 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316598094 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316630463

ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. (2022). American School Counseling Association. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/About-School-Counseling/Ethical-Legal-Responsibilities/ASCA-Ethical-Standards-for-School-Counselors-(1)

American School Counselors Association. (2018). The school counselor and suicide prevention/awareness. The School Counselor and Suicide Prevention/Awareness - American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Suicide-Prevention-Awaren 

Avila v. Harlingen Indep. Consol. Sch. Dist., Civil Action 1:21-cv-111 (S.D. Tex. Nov. 22, 2021)

H.R.5619 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): Suicide Prevention Act. (2020, September 22). http://www.congress.gov/

Luciano, L. (2022, April 7). Schools face rise in suicides during pandemic: "so many kids are hurting". CBS News. Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/student-suicides-covid-pandemic-mental-health/ 

Texas Education Code Chapter 38  §  38.351

Texas Administrative Code §153.1013  

Walsh, M. (2021, January 4). Federal Appeals Court lets lawsuit proceed against educators in student's suicide. Education Week. Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/federal-appeals-court-lets-lawsuit-proceed-against-educators-in-students-suicide/2020/12 

42 U.S. Code § 290bb–36a42 U.S. Code § 290bb–36a  

]]> 2022-09-28 01:58:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316630463 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316651065 2022-09-28 02:15:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316651065 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316657714 2022-09-28 02:20:32 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316657714 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316685252 According ASCA code of Ethics, counselors must  "Inform parents/guardians and/or appropriate authorities when a student poses a serious and foreseeable risk of harm to self
 or others." 
This is crucial, as the risk of not informing the parents is too great when dealing with self-harm in students. Parents should be given the chance to intervene in behalf of their child in situations such as these.

]]> 2022-09-28 02:41:59 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2316685252 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2319704120 There is a Self-Harm protocol that we have in place to keep track of details pertaining to these behaviors. As a part of this protocol, there is also included a safety contract which is completed in conjunction with the student, resources for the families, and a checklist for counselors to complete to determine if the statements or actions are truly an out-cry as opposed to an out-burst (T. Sommerfeild, personal communication, September 23, 2022).]]> 2022-09-29 16:15:11 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2319704120 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2319705934 With the onset of CO-VID 19, students' anxiety levels have risen dramatically.  Belton ISD has experienced a rise in threats of self-self and begun to push toward social emotional learning as well as more support in the area of metal health services.  Students are not the only population effected. Our district has also noticed an increase in employee mental health struggles and, therefore, offers an Employee Assistance Program which is anonymous and gives access to therapy as needed.  Sommerfeld (2022) believes this is something that school districts will be dealing with for quite some time (T. Sommerfeild, personal communication, September 23, 2022).  ]]> 2022-09-29 16:16:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2319705934 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2319706838 I interviewed Tiffany Sommerfeild who serves as Director Academic Advising & Counseling for Belton ISD. Sommerfeild has served in this position for 4 years and previously served as director for counseling with Waco ISD.  
Tiffany supports all school counselors throughout the district in creating comprehensive school counseling programs and maintaining professionalism and up to date professional practices. ]]> 2022-09-29 16:16:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2319706838 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2319792977 Jake Avila, a sixth grade student at Memorial Middle School in Harlingen, committing suicide. Within his suicide note, he wrote “a specific passage related” to Ms. Anderson, and teacher on campus. The case was dismissed after showing the Jake's constitutional rights were not violated.

]]> 2022-09-29 17:05:34 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2319792977 kjordy1 https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2320154123 This laws requires that all campuses provide suicide prevention training as required by the Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.451(d) to all employees on an annual basis. ]]> 2022-09-29 22:43:22 UTC https://padlet.com/kjordy1/suicidalstudents/wish/2320154123