ASCA Ethical Standards

1470 Words3 Pages

When a student shows signs of suicidal ideation or thoughts of harming others, the ASCA Ethical Standard provides guidance for Professional School Counselors concerning the mitigation of this situation. The ASCA Ethical Standards state that when students express harm to self or others, parents or legal guardians, and/or authorities must be notified (ASCA, 2016). In addition, the ASCA states school counselor must cautiously use risk assessment so intervention can be created. School Counselors must ensure when they are speaking with parents that they do not negate the risk of harm (ASCA, 2016). Counselors are not permitted to release a student who is considered at risk until support personal is present (ASCA, 2016). All federal, state, …show more content…

When any type of bullying is involved it is imperative for a counselor to be aware of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) letter. This letter states that some cases of bullying may be handled under the federal civil rights statues and regulations, requiring the school to directly handle the harassment (Stone, 2017). The letter gives the school the authority to conduct an investigation so they can determine what the appropriate course of action is needed. As a Professional School Counselor, you must consider all points of confidentiality of the victim by letting both victim and parent know that any outside disclosure concerning the bullying event (i.e. names of perpetrators) will negate the confidentiality between you and them. Professional School Counselors must understand the Jessica Logan Act, which recognizes cyber bullying, sexting, and dating violence as forms of bullying. When there is suspected child abuse or neglect, Professional School Counselors must report all suspected cases to authorities while continuing to protect the victims privacy (ASCA, …show more content…

The ASCA reminds school counselors that they are to guide and assist students who are victims by supplying appropriate services (ASCA, 2016). When abuse is suspected, a guidance counselor must personally report the abuse to child protective services (CPS). Cuff vs. Grossmont Union High School District reminds us how vital it is to follow all reporting procedures. In the state of Virginia, teachers, and those working in public and private schools, are mandated reporters and must report within 24 hours of the suspected neglect or abuse; even if the abuse occurred in the past (DSS.VA.GOV). Failure to report will result in criminal actions. Although school counselors are held to confidentiality terms, cases such as these warrant a duty to warn and an ethical obligation to protect. The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) state that as Christian counselors, one should always disclose confidential information when a life is endangered, this includes events such as suicidal ideations, bullying, and abuse (AACC, 2014). Although the ASCA and the AACC provides guidance to crisis responses, there are still legal and ethical issues that may not be

More about ASCA Ethical Standards

Open Document