A+Parent's+Rights+to+Records


 * Project By: **Tina Ferg, Charla Bynum, and Alicia Watkins** With Special Contributions From: Mr. Doug Klesius, Miguel Barcenas

**A School Counselor Is Caught in the Middle** Susan works as a school counselor in a large middle school with students from sixth through eighth grade. Her primary duties include counseling individuals and small groups, teaching classroom guidance lessons, and consulting with parents, teachers, and administrators. Shortly after the beginning of the school year, a parent calls Susan and explains that her son, Nolan, a seventh grader, is experiencing difficulties in school where none had existed before. Susan invites the mother, Juanita, to her office to discuss specific concerns. During this initial consultation, Juanita divulges that her husband has recently moved out of the house. Nolan, being the oldest of three siblings, is especially upset with the situation and has shown recent outbursts of anger both at home and at school. Teachers also have notified Juanita that Nolan’s schoolwork is slipping badly. Juanita tearfully reveals that her husband had physically assaulted her and that, although he had never abused the children, they were certainly affected by the tensions at home. Susan and Juanita decide that Nolan should begin to see Susan for counseling on a twice-weekly basis to help Nolan deal with his anger and failing grades. Susan counsels Nolan regularly for 6 weeks, and Nolan reveals a great deal to Susan about himself and his family. He also comes to realize that his angry outbursts and declining grades are related to the stress surrounding his family circumstances. At a follow-up meeting with Juanita, Susan is pleased to report that Nolan’s grades and behavior have begun to improve. An unexpected phone call from Nolan’s father, Russell, alerts Susan to potential difficulties. Although Susan is cordial and professional during the phone conversation, she becomes increasingly uncomfortable with Russell’s press for information about both Nolan and his mother. According to Russell, Juanita has filed divorce papers and is seeking full custody of the children. Russell becomes increasingly insistent in his demand to learn the content of all of Susan’s sessions with both Nolan and Juanita. During the conversation, Russell alludes several times to his attorney’s involvement and threatens to file a complaint with the ACA Ethics Committee if Susan fails to comply with his request. Although Susan closes the discussion by generally recounting Nolan’s improved behavior and academic performance, she is concerned that Russell might continue to push her for information she feels is confidential. A follow-up phone call to Juanita confirms that legal papers have been filed. Juanita also tells the counselor that both she and Nolan want to keep the counseling records confidential and out of Russell’s possession.

Video 1: **A Comprehensive Reading of Case** Video 2: **Translacion Accessible en Espanol** Video 3: **Assessment & Overview of Ethical Considerations** Videos by Alicia Watkins & Miguel Barcenas

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Ethical Codes & Considerations

Relevant Laws

Interview with Counseling Professional

Comprehensive Literature Review

ACA Decision Making Model