School Counselor Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if I would like my child to visit the school counselor or I would like to meet with the school counselor?
Ms. Sifers has office hours from 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. Please call our office at 503-359-2550 X7069 or email at [email protected].
Does my child need permission to see the school counselor?
No, unless the counseling will be on-going, in which case the counselor will contact you. As long as the parent/guardian hasn’t stated specifically that their child cannot see the school counselor, school counseling is considered a regular educational service provided by the school. If a child has an issue with a friend or is having a difficult day, the school counselor will often intervene without parental/guardian permission. Often parental/guardian follow up is initiated.
What is confidentiality and how does it apply to the school counselor?
Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling; this is how the counselor builds trust with the student. What the child says during counseling is to remain between the counselor and the child unless:
1. The child is in imminent danger.
2. The child is threatening to harm him/herself or someone else.
3. The child reports an incident of abuse and/or neglect.
4. The child gives permission to disclose.
When a breach in confidentiality is necessary, a report is made to the appropriate agencies, support staff and/or parents/guardians depending on the situation.
Note: School counselors and other school staff members are mandated reporters. Mandated reporters are required by law to report to DHS any report made to them by a student or other regarding the safety of that child. For more info. on mandated reporting in Oregon, go to: http://www.oregon.gov/dhs/abuse/Pages/mandatory_report.aspx
Ms. Sifers has office hours from 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. Please call our office at 503-359-2550 X7069 or email at [email protected].
Does my child need permission to see the school counselor?
No, unless the counseling will be on-going, in which case the counselor will contact you. As long as the parent/guardian hasn’t stated specifically that their child cannot see the school counselor, school counseling is considered a regular educational service provided by the school. If a child has an issue with a friend or is having a difficult day, the school counselor will often intervene without parental/guardian permission. Often parental/guardian follow up is initiated.
What is confidentiality and how does it apply to the school counselor?
Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling; this is how the counselor builds trust with the student. What the child says during counseling is to remain between the counselor and the child unless:
1. The child is in imminent danger.
2. The child is threatening to harm him/herself or someone else.
3. The child reports an incident of abuse and/or neglect.
4. The child gives permission to disclose.
When a breach in confidentiality is necessary, a report is made to the appropriate agencies, support staff and/or parents/guardians depending on the situation.
Note: School counselors and other school staff members are mandated reporters. Mandated reporters are required by law to report to DHS any report made to them by a student or other regarding the safety of that child. For more info. on mandated reporting in Oregon, go to: http://www.oregon.gov/dhs/abuse/Pages/mandatory_report.aspx