The Referral Process

Purpose

Responsive Services includes the process of referring individual students to the school counselor. Throughout the referral process, the counselor is aware of Graham ISD board policies and may consult and collaborate with teachers, parents, administrators, other school staff, and/or outside agencies on behalf of students. A formal referral system facilitates gathering and analyzing information systematically and objectively to plan for the student’s social, academic, and career development. This process provides timely and effective support to initiate an appropriate plan of action for students at various levels of need.

The Referral Process

A referral is made to the counselor when a concern for a student arises. Possible sources of referrals may include self-referral by students experiencing a problem, concerned peers, parent(s)/guardian(s), teachers, administrators, and/or other school personnel. Emergency interventions are required in those situations that need immediate attention, (e.g., peer concern about the personal safety of another student, death of a family member, or physical and/or sexual abuse). The counselor may determine that other resources would be appropriate, including referral to other individuals within the school system such as the school administrator, school nurse, and/or the special services personnel. An outside referral may be necessary when an issue presented is beyond the scope, training and/or expertise of school district personnel. In the case of suspected abuse or neglect, the counselor has a legal mandate to report the case within 48 hours to Child Protective Services.

*Referring a student to the counselor DOES NOT alleviate an educational professional (e.g. teacher or administrator) from contacting child protective services and reporting any suspicion of child abuse or neglect.

STEP 1. Concern for student arises

STEP 2. Student is referred to the counselor and the concern is identified on referral form(s).

STEP 3. Once a concern is identified, the counselor uses objective and subjective data to assess the situation and determine the level and type of measure to be taken on the student’s behalf.

a. Counselor Provides In-School Interventions (Behavior Resources)

b. Counselor Referral to In-School Resource(s)

c. Counselor Referral to Community Resource(s)

STEP 4. Interventions are implemented and the student’s progress is monitored. The student’s response to the intervention will be reassessed and the intervention plan modified if needed.

STEP 5. Follow up with the referring individual. The Counselor maintains contact with the referring individual throughout the process observing the guidelines of confidentiality (see ASCA Ethical Standards) as well as family privacy as mandated by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Steps in the Outside Referral Process

STEP 1. Except in emergency situations, utilize all appropriate in-school/district intervention resources and document student’s response to interventions before suggesting an outside referral to parents/guardians.

STEP 2. Check school board policies and procedures and, as necessary, discuss the policies and procedures with administrators before making outside referrals.

STEP 3. Review how you will discuss referral with a student/parent/family prior to presenting options.

a. Assess the family’s willingness/interest in receiving outside services.

b. As needed, help families determine their coverage/options.

c. Provide at least three appropriate options (Outside Counseling Referral Resources). Be cautious about “recommending” any one individual or agency. Help parents/guardians advocate for themselves and their child by encouraging them to call and talk with several professionals so they can make an informed decision.

d. Educate student/parent/family about what they can expect. Explain the Consent for Release of Information Form and request signature.

STEP 4. Follow up with student/parent/family and document the effectiveness of the referral.