Clients have the freedom to choose whether to enter into or remain in a counseling relationship and need adequate information about the counseling process and the counselor. Counselors have an obligation to re- view in writing and verbally with cli- ents the rights and responsibilities of both counselors and clients. Informed consent is an ongoing part of the counseling process, and counselors appropriately document discussions of informed consent throughout the counseling relationship(2014 Code of ETHICS., 2014).

There was an initial consent sent home to families to inform them about the group and the group goals.  Once they showed interest in the group and were chosen to participate another consent was sent home to inform each parents and student the group, time frame of group, meeting dates and times, and goal.  They made the choice to give or not give consent to participate.  The students were also given a consent the first meeting.

Counselors screen prospective group counseling/therapy participants. To the extent possible, counselors select members whose needs and goals are compatible with the goals of the group, who will not impede the group process, and whose well-being will not be jeop- ardized by the group experience(2014 Code of ETHICS., 2014).

When forming the Wildcat Worry Warriors, the participants completed a pre-assessment to determine if there was a need for this counseling group.  Once the need was determined, each participant was screened to see determine if they would openly participate, work well with others, and if their needs matched the groups needs.  This all went into consideration when forming the group.