https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79 Edg 6305 Legal & Ethical Principles en-us 2018-06-07 03:46:19 UTC 2018-06-10 18:19:14 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Balance.png tfranklin14 https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266017896 Upon completion of my Master of Education in Guidance and Curriculum, I hope to secure a job as a school counselor.  I hope to work in a high school, however, I am open to exploring new areas.
 ]]> 2018-06-07 03:50:07 UTC https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266017896 tfranklin14 https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266021934 The first issue I encountered on this website questioned taking case notes. It is important that school counselors understand their case notes may be subpoenaed. However, the advice documented on the website indicated that school counselors should only utilize notes as a tool for their own memory instead of detailed transcription. There is an exception for documenting suspected abuse/neglect. Another issue that required a lengthy explanation was on the topic of reporting abuse and neglect.  One legal question inquired into the validity of reporting neglect when parents refuse to obtain outside mental care for their child.  The other questioned whether or not abuse should be reported if the victim did not corroborate the suspected abuse.  Both responses indicated that if the counselor suspects abuse/neglect under the legal definitions, the correct course of action would be to report it.

Reference
American School Counseling Association.  (2018).  Legal and ethical FAQ.  Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors-members/legal-ethical/legal-ethical-faq]]> 2018-06-07 04:29:16 UTC https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266021934 tfranklin14 https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266024275 The first issue explains which school documents are considered confidential, and who has the authority to access them. The author goes on to denote personal notes are not available for access unless by court-order. The second issue discusses student bullying and the role of the school to conduct investigations into the matter. The counseling office should provide appropriate services to victimized students.
Reference
Turner, Haley.  (n.d.).  Legal and ethical considerations for school counselors.  Retrieved from http://www4.esc13.net/uploads/cssc/docs/Legal_and_Ethical_Considerations_for_Counselors.pdf]]> 2018-06-07 04:52:36 UTC https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266024275 tfranklin14 https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266384280 A reoccurring theme I found during my preliminary search was about the confidentiality of a student's interaction with the school counselor. Although the counselor is part of the school, their records are not included in the student's school record file which is accessible by guardians.  I find this interesting because schools usually encourage open communication with guardians about their students; however, the counselor's role is different in this regard. ]]> 2018-06-09 02:03:16 UTC https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266384280 tfranklin14 https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266385360 In my ASU library search, I found an article referencing ethical and legal issues in maintaining student privacy.  It went more in-depth than simply protecting counselor notes, but rather discussed the confidentiality in interactions with students. 
http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.easydb.angelo.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=3&sid=ec94d792-ecae-489a-9775-0cd34b5e6bf3%40sessionmgr120&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#AN=9608133207&db=pbh
Reference
Tompkins, L. D., & Mehring, T. (1993). Client privacy and the school counselor: privilege, ethics, and employer policies. School Counselor, 40335-342.

]]> 2018-06-09 02:28:56 UTC https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266385360 tfranklin14 https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266385592 This article expresses the importance of giving students the authority to break confidence and share their progress or potential barriers to learning.  The author encourages the student to have open conversations with the adults in their life on issues they are working on.  She also expresses the counselor should be willing to, with permission, share the information as well. 
https://confidentcounselors.com/2017/11/03/confidentiality-school-counseling/

]]> 2018-06-09 02:36:37 UTC https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266385592 tfranklin14 https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266385815 Although the counselor-student relationship is not considered privileged and notes can be subjected to warrant and/or court order, there is still a certain measure of privacy involved in this relationship. Much of my initial research in general legal or ethical issues counselors face revolved around the need for counselors to keep their notes to a minimum and solely for memory aids in order to preserve the privacy of these interactions.  Counselors have an ethical and legal responsibility to preserve the integrity of their interactions with their students.  There are, however, certain situations in which the counselor must break confidentiality and report to the appropriate entity the nature of the conversations.  

As a future school counselor, it is important to discuss with students the limits of confidentiality. It is equally important to obtain their consent in sharing information with other adults in their life. It may help a teacher to know why a student is suddenly struggling in class, and it may help guardians to know what their student is working on with the school counselor. ]]> 2018-06-09 02:45:17 UTC https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266385815 tfranklin14 https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266488220 I spoke with a high school counselor at my local west Texas school about current issues affecting her work with students.
#1 Confidentiality: The counseling office often has to be very conscientious about information sharing. Teachers refer students and sometimes want a follow-up.  They are careful not to give more information than the student has allowed them to share.  
#2  LGBT and Transgender Rights: The past few years the counseling office has been a champion of LGBT rights.  They are keeping up with the current laws in place - especially about bathroom issues. 
#3 Bullying:  It is imperative that the school and counseling office keep up with the cases about bullying.  With the influx of online bullying, often there are circumstances that happen outside of school.  The counseling office still needs to be aware of these issues and conduct their part in following up with victims and perpetrators.
#4 Test Security:  As the District Testing Coordinator, Douglas was provided with a muliple-day training over test security.  There have been professional ramifications of teachers, whether cognizant of their errors or not, violating test security.
#5  Staying Current:  Douglas is associated with a professional organization that helps relay current issues within the field.  In that way, it is possible to stay aware of any potential issues.  
(S. Douglas, personal communication, June 7, 2018)]]> 2018-06-10 18:00:58 UTC https://padlet.com/tfranklin14/kl7w1heros79/wish/266488220