Web-based resources for legal and ethical issues in school counseling

Professional School Counseling, Oct, 2003 by Lynne Guillot-Miller, Patricia W. Partin

School counselors have a continuing need for accurate, contemporary information regarding legal and ethical issues. The authors of this article identify major sources of legal and ethical information relevant to school counselors that is available on the World Wide Web. Summaries and Web addresses are provided for major Web sites that address legal and ethical issues in school counseling. These sites were viewed by the author May 29 through June 14, 2002 and could be subject to change.

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In the past 10 years, school counselors have gained access to many Web-based professional materials. Web sites sponsored by professional associations, the government, educational institutions, and private organizations have contributed to the wealth of knowledge available on the World Wide Web.

The Internet is an indispensable tool for school counselors who require information that can be accessed easily, is inexpensive, and is relatively harmless. The World Wide Web is only one of the many valuable components that comprise the Internet. Along with sites that can be accessed from the Web, list-serves, e-mail technology, bulletin board discussion groups, and videoconferencing are elements of the Internet that allow school counselors access to the most pertinent information available regarding counseling and allow them to communicate with other professionals in counseling. Many organizations and professionals associated with mental health are developing Web sites on a daily basis. This influx allows counselors access to valid information on specific topics that is current, convenient, and virtually limitless (Jackson & Davidson, 1996).

The preamble of the American School Counseling Association's Ethical Standards for School Counselors details the basic tenant that "Each person has the right to privacy and thereby the right to expect the counselor-client relationship to comply with all laws, policies, and the ethical standards pertaining to confidentiality" (American School Counselor Association, 2002). The Ethical Standards make clear that the professional school counselor "is responsible for keeping informed of laws, regulations, and policies relating to counselors and strives to ensure that the rights of counselees are adequately provided for and protected" (American School Counselor Association). These statements accentuate the professional obligation of professional school counselors to stay informed on legal and ethical issues. In order to stay abreast of legal and ethical issues in school counseling, school counselors will have to use information that is both current and accessible. While reading books and attending workshops are helpful, the best source of information is the Web. This article provides useful information about Web sites that can be consulted when legal and ethical issues arise.

Kuranz (2002) has suggested that the Internet, along with other forms of technology, must be used in order to help school counselors in their relationships with students. Kuranz also suggested that there is a need for guidelines concerning information transmitted over the Internet by school counselors and students. It is important for school counselors to maintain the confidentiality of student information that is sent using the Internet. School counselors should also be concerned regarding the validity and reliability of information that is obtained from Internet sources and Web sites. Sampson (2000) commented, "It is possible to deliver interpretive information on the Internet that is attractively presented but inherently invalid." Nevertheless, Sampson stated that both new as well as experienced counselors need to be skillful in using the Internet, familiar with counseling-related sites, and capable of assessing the quality of such sites. This article provides school counselors with useful information about various Web sites related to legal and ethical issues in school counseling.

There are a number of issues to consider when assessing the quality of a particular Web site. Questions regarding the age of the material, the author's credentials, and the source of the material are essential. It should also be noted that because each legal or ethical challenge is unique, information acquired on the Web is not a substitute for consultation with other professional school counselors or school principals when ethical and legal problems arise. Despite its limitations, the Web remains an excellent tool for school counselors when addressing legal and ethical issues.

WEB SITES FOR LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN SCHOOL COUNSELING

The Web sites listed below are grouped according to the type of sponsor for the site. Sponsors of sites include professional associations, federal and state government agencies, private groups, and educational institutions. It should be noted that there is no guarantee that the material on these sites is accurate or researched. All Web sites must be assessed individually for their quality. While this list is not exhaustive, it does provide a number of Web sites that will aid school counselors in beginning searches for information on the Web related to legal and ethical issues in school counseling. (These sites were viewed by the author May 29 through June 5, 2002 and could be subject to change.)