Family Handbook 2023-24

STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Social Work Services

Confidentiality Confidentiality is a legal obligation not to disclose information obtained in confidence without a student’s consent. When working individually with students, the aim is to work with parents to support their child’s progress. However, when a capable student discloses personal information to the social worker and specifically requests that the conversation and its details remain confidential, it is important for parents to understand that with the exception of imminent risk and/or health and safety circumstances, the student’s request will be honoured. For more information about understanding the legal rights of children, youth and their parents in mental health care, please refer to the Canadian Mental Health Association website. Informed Consent Informed consent requires that a student be capable of providing such consent. This means that the student must be cognitively capable (i.e. able to understand the information provided) and appreciate the reasonable risks and benefits of such services in order to give consent. There is no general age of consent for counselling services. Instead, the issue of capacity requires the social worker to consider factors such as the child’s age, maturity and general level of understanding. An individual’s capacity may also vary over time. A young person may be capable of making certain decisions but not others. That is why it is essential that informed consent be an ongoing conversation. It is also important to note that no information shared by the student with the social worker will be disclosed to a third party without the expressed written consent from the student. At any time, consent can be withdrawn or conditions placed on the disclosure of information, as directed by the student. Informed consent to social work services and confidentiality will be discussed in the first meeting with the social worker. Students can provide verbal consent, which will be documented by the social worker in their case notes after the session. Risks and Benefits Before the counselling process begins with any student, the risks and benefits are discussed. Counselling may involve the risk of remembering unpleasant events and may arouse strong and/or unanticipated feelings. Benefits of counselling may be personal growth, where goals are achieved and new coping strategies are developed.

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