Referrals

BRIEF SUMMARY

A referral is made to the School Counselor (SC) when a concern for a student arises.  Possible sources  of referrals may include self-referral by students experiencing a problem, concerned peers, parent(s)/guardian(s), teachers, administrators, and/or other school personnel. Emergency interventions are required in those situations that need immediate attention, (e.g., peer concern about the personal safety of another student, death of a pet or family member, physical and/or sexual abuse). The SC may determine that other resources would be appropriate, including referral to other individuals within the school system, such as the school administrator, school nurse, and/or the special services personnel.

An outside referral may be necessary when an issue presented is beyond the scope, training and/or expertise of school district personnel.  In the case of suspected abuse or neglect, the SC has a legal mandate to make a call to the appropriate authorities.

KEY POINTS

• Prior to the school year, school counselors should compile an updated list of outside referral resources for use  during the school year. A list of agencies can be compiled by contacting United Way, the local Chamber  of Commerce, surrounding school districts, etc.  One way to do this is to send an outside referral contact form and letter to local agencies.  It is also helpful to develop relationships with these agencies and become knowledgeable about the services they provide.
• Data collection is essential in the referral process.  Student data collection can include attendance, discipline referrals, grades, and school nurse visits, documentation of observable behaviors such as the frequency, duration, and intensity of recurring behaviors.  Information such as standardized test results and services the student has received and qualitative data such as student interviews, teacher narratives and anecdotes, observation, and behavior rating checklists (from parents, teachers, and/or students) can also be included.

SHARED WISDOM

• Since an outside referral may imply a financial obligation on the part of the district, refer to your local school  board’s policies and procedures for further clarification. When the school district provides a list of available resources, individuals need to realize that this is not an endorsement of any particular resource.

RESOURCES

• School Counselor Referral Process Guide
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• The School Counselor and Mental Health (ASCA position statement)
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