Introduction
Westchester Middle School is committed to providing quality education to all its students. Our mission is to prepare and empower students to be successful in life. To best achieve this goal, parents/guardians or school staff may refer students for counseling. Students themselves may also request counseling services. The primary focus of the counseling program is to support students socially, emotionally, and academically. More specifically, it will help students better understand the world they live in, make better decisions to help them live functional lives, understand the high school application process, maintain social-emotional well-being through various discussions, lessons, or activities, and more.
Provision of Services
I understand that school counseling services are aimed at providing a more effective education and socialization of my child within the school community. I understand that these services are not intended as a substitute for psychological counseling, diagnosis, or medication, which are not the responsibility of the school. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to determine whether additional or different services are necessary and whether to seek them for my child.
Benefits/Risks
I understand that there may be both risks and benefits associated with participation in counseling. Counseling may improve my child's ability to relate with others, provide a clearer understanding of himself/herself, along with values, goals, and an ability to deal with everyday stress. I understand that counseling may lead to unanticipated feelings and change, which might have an unexpected impact on my child and his/her relationships.
Confidentiality
In order to build trust with the child, the school counselor will keep information confidential with some possible exceptions. I understand that the counselor may share information with the child on a need to know basis, so that we may better assist and support the child as a team The counselor is required by law to share information with parents or others in these certain circumstances:
If the child informs the counselor that he or she is presenting a serious danger to self or another person
If the child discloses and information about abuse (physically or sexually) or neglect
Threats to school security
Court subpoenas
The counselor will make the child aware of these limits of confidentiality and will inform the child when sharing information with others. If you would like the counselor to share information with a third part, such as a community counselor, psychiatrist, social worker, or pediatrician, you will need to sign an additional release of information form.
Contact
I understand that I am entitled to ask questions and receive information about methods or techniques used by the counselor and the length of counseling. I am free to seek a second opinion or end counseling at any time.
Feel free to contact the school counselor, Emma Sells, at esells@sd925.org or 708-450-2735 ext. 2144