DIRECT SERVICES

PROVISIONS OF SERVICES 

The policy of North Fork Local School District is to obtain parent/guardian written permission for individual counseling that extends beyond six sessions in a school year.   Services include intake assessment, short-term goal-centered individual counseling, crisis intervention, group counseling, and referrals as needed.  It is important to note that counseling differs from therapy.  Students struggling with emotional regulation, serious mental health conditions, or experiencing trauma are strongly encouraged to consult their family doctor to obtain a referral for therapy.

School counseling services are aimed at the effective education and socialization of the child within the school community.  Counseling services are not intended as a substitute for psychological counseling, therapy, diagnosis, or medication.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to obtain additional outside services that are necessary.  The counselor can assist by providing contact information for outside services.

BENEFITS/RISKS 

There are both risks and benefits associated with participation in counseling.  For example, counseling may improve my child’s ability to relate with others and provide a clearer understanding of himself/herself, along with values, goals, and an ability to deal with everyday stress.  However, counseling may also lead to unanticipated feelings and change, which might have an unexpected impact on a child and his/her relationships.

CONFIDENTIALITY 

In order to build trust with the child, the school counselor will keep the information confidential, with some possible exceptions.  I understand that the counselor may share information with parents/guardians, the child’s teacher, and/or administrators or school personnel who work with the child on a need-to-know basis so that we may better assist the child as a team.  The counselor is required by law to share information with parents or others in certain circumstances:

     ~Presenting a danger to self or others

     ~Evidence or disclosure of abuse (physical, sexual, or neglect)

     ~Threats to school security

     ~Criminal or delinquency proceedings are pending

The counselor will make the child aware of these limits of confidentiality and will inform the child when sharing information with others.  Should you would like the counselor to share information with a third party, such as a community counselor, psychiatrist, social services worker, or pediatrician, you will need to sign a release of information form.

North Fork Elementary Schools utilize Second Step Programs in the classroom to address the social-emotional needs of our students. 

Social-Emotional Learning K-5 (SEL) program is a research-based curriculum designed as a holistic approach to aid students in building skills for success.  The social-emotional lessons are developed for each grade (K-5) using age-appropriate content. The units cover Skills for Learning, Empathy, Emotional Management, and Problem-solving. Learning and using these skills aim to increase social competence and self-regulation to reduce problem behaviors and contribute to a safer school that helps students thrive in the learning environment.  Lessons include Home Links and Family letters to reinforce lessons at home and keep parents appraised of their children's learning. 

BULLYING Program

The Second Step: Bullying Unit is designed to increase school safety and promote a positive learning and social environment. Bullying affects both the bully and the victim.  The lessons help students identify the types of bullying (physical, verbal, social, and cyber).  It encourages students to become “upstanders” by standing up for those being bullied, seeking appropriate help, assertiveness and seeking appropriate help, being assertive, and conflict resolution. Lessons include Home Links and Family letters to reinforce lessons at home and keep parents appraised of what their children are learning.