School counseling is considered a part of a school’s general education program and is accessible to all students. Family or Caregiver consent is not required for the implementation of the comprehensive school counseling program. School counselors can meet with students two to three times and if the student needs more support in a specific skill area, the school counselor will reach out to the family/caregiver to discuss needs and determine next steps for ongoing support. School Counselors may also lead small groups on campus during the school day for 6 to 8 weeks. Family/Caregivers will also be sent a communication via email/paper to allow families/caregivers the opportunity to opt out of the additional school counseling interventions should their student be identified or referred to the interventions. Please note however, if a student is at least 14 years of age, they are able to consent to counseling interventions on their behalf.
As part of this general program, a school counselor may engage with BLS students through a variety of strategies to promote and support the academic, social, emotional and college/career development of all of our students. The school counseling program at each school is delivered through a variety of methods and could include:
- Core classroom lessons in support of academic, social, and emotional development
- School-wide assemblies or programming Individual, short-term support and check-ins
- Collaboration with teachers in support of classroom behaviors
- Collaboration with school administration and staff to deliver school-wide supports
- Intervention and assistance in emergency situations and when a student is considered at imminent risk for harm
Written family/caregiver permission will be obtained prior to providing the following counseling services:
- Student Needs Assessment Survey pursuant to Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment
- Targeted small group counseling (skill-based interventions)
- Short-term individual counseling (extends beyond a periodic check-in and extends more than 3 scheduled sessions, but generally no more than 8 sessions)
- Development and implementation of individualized behavior supports and interventions following evaluation of a student’s needs
ORS 109.675 allows a minor who is at least 14 years of age to consent to counseling on their own behalf. If a student is at least 14 years of age, they are able to consent to counseling interventions on their behalf.
