Legal and Ethical Complications in Working with Minors in Schools

The school environment poses competing interests between a student’s need for confidentiality and the legal rights of parents/guardians to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives. On any given day, a school counselor navigates such charged subjects as harassment, suicide, eating disorders and child abuse, just to name a few. The legal and ethical complications for school counselors are magnified due to their work with minors in a setting designed for academic instruction. Increase your understanding of the complications of working with minors in a school setting through the presentation of recent court cases and state statutes, especially the Parents Bill of Rights, which is the law in 18 states, and the strict scrutiny law that is at play in 32 states.

Learning Objectives: 

After viewing this webinar, you will be able to:

1. Discuss the guiding principles as established by the courts and legislators
2. Develop a tolerance for ambiguity in ethical decision-making
3. Apply the standard of care as guided by case and statutory law

Presenter: 

Dr. Carolyn Stone, Professor, University of North Florida

original air date: April 24, 2024, 2024, 12-1 p.m. Eastern