What is the basic standard of care for school counselors according to courts?

The basic standard of care for school counselors, as established by court rulings, emphasizes the duty school personnel have to protect students from foreseeable harm. This principle is rooted in the ethical and legal obligations counselors have to ensure a safe environment for students, which extends beyond mere confidentiality or information sharing.

In many legal cases, courts have identified that the primary responsibility of school personnel, including counselors, is to take reasonable steps to prevent harm to students, especially if there are clear indicators that a student may be in danger. This can involve intervening in situations where a student is at risk of abuse, bullying, or any other form of harm. The expectation is that school counselors must actively assess potential risks and take appropriate actions to safeguard their students, ensuring that their welfare is the priority in their professional practice.

This duty to protect is considered paramount, reflecting a commitment to the ethical imperative of promoting student safety and well-being. In contrast, the other options focus on implications of confidentiality or parental rights, which are important but secondary to the overarching principle of ensuring student safety and preventing foreseeable harm.