University of Iowa school counseling students complete coursework in counseling ethics during their first semester in 7C:200, Professional School Counselor.  They learn basic information about ethical codes appropriate to school counseling practice (American Counseling Association and American School Counselor Association), ethical decision making, and ethical concerns common to school counseling (e.g., abuse, suicidal ideation, confidentiality).

Confidentiality  

Confidentiality issues are always important to clarify for all persons involved in the counseling setting. Practicum/Internship students will be directed to inform his or her clients that the information they share is confidential except in the following situations:

 1. There is a danger to the client

 2. The client is a danger to others

 3. The client directs the Practicum/Internship student to reveal the information

 4. The Practicum/Internship student is legally directed to do so

Practicum/Internship student are also directed to notify the client that information will be shared with the site supervisor and U of I supervisors. Releases of information (to be provided at the beginning of each semester) need to be signed by the parents of the client involved to allow for video-audio recording of sessions to be reviewed by the U of I supervisor.

Documentation

Practicum/Internship students will need a space to keep their records at the school. They are expected to keep a one-page note on each session that they conduct with individual clients. They should also keep records of any telephone conversations that they have with parents or agencies. These records will need to be stored in a safe place to ensure that access to them is not open.

Crisis information

Practicum/Internship students will be directed to report any suspected abuse situations to the Department of Human Services per Iowa law. It is expected that the Practicum/Internship student first notify the site supervisor, and proceed through the guidelines of the individual school culminating in both the initial phone report and the follow-up written report which is submitted to the Dept. of Human Services. A copy of the written report filed with DHS also is sent to the site and U of I supervisor.

In the event that a client reports suicidal ideation, the Practicum/Internship student is directed to immediately notify the site supervisor, then to follow school guidelines. If the site supervisor is unable to takeover responsibility for the client at that moment, it is expected that the Practicum/Internship student will continue to observe the client until another adult has taken over responsibility for the client (i.e., parent, counselor, health care professional). The Practicum/Internship student is then to notify his or her U of I supervisor as well.

Supervisors

It is expected that students, University supervisors, and site supervisors will all adhere to ACA Code of Ethics and the  ASCA ethical standards. In addition, both site and U of I supervisors should be familiar with and adhere to the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Ethical Guidelines for Counseling Supervisors.