DATE:
May 16, 2024
TO:
Principals
Assistant Principals
FROM:
Michael Anderson, Associate Superintendent
Travis Hamblin, Director of Student Services
Stacee Worthen, Counselor Consultant
SUBJECT:
Ensuring Confidentiality in School Counseling
School counselors provide a safe environment for students to address emotional concerns, academic challenges, and personal struggles. To effectively fulfill this role, school counselors require a dedicated, confidential, and private workspace that fosters open communication and protects student confidentiality.
Dedicated, confidential, and private workspaces:
- Comply with federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), mandating schools protect student privacy
- Supports awareness of school counselors’ ethical standards and legal mandates regarding student confidentiality
- Increase student trust and openness
- Improve counseling effectiveness
Counselor workspaces must include the necessary equipment to ensure a continuation of work and confidentiality. Required workspace equipment must include (but is not limited to):
- A wired internet connection
- A dedicated phone
- Lockable file storage
The following websites provide more information about creating dedicated counseling spaces and best practices for student confidentiality:
- The American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
- The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Ensuring a dedicated, confidential, and private counseling workspace creates a stronger support system for students and staff through confidentiality. If you have any questions or concerns about this requirement, please reach out to Stacee Worthen, Counselor Consultant, at (801)567-8309.
