When can confidential information be disclosed by a school counselor?

The appropriate context for disclosing confidential information by a school counselor involves a careful balance between maintaining student confidentiality and adhering to legal and ethical standards. The correct answer indicates that confidential information may be disclosed when legally required or to prevent serious harm. This aligns with the ethical guidelines set forth by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), which prioritize the well-being and safety of students.

In situations where there is a risk of serious harm—such as if a student expresses intentions to harm themselves or others—school counselors have a duty to act in order to protect the safety of individuals involved. Additionally, legal requirements such as mandated reporting laws for child abuse or neglect necessitate that counselors disclose information even when it may typically remain confidential.

The other choices do not align with ethical practices. Sharing information based solely on a student’s request, for instance, may not consider the appropriate boundaries of confidentiality that protect the student's trust in the counseling relationship. Administering confidential information at the behest of others for non-protective reasons compromises the integrity of the counselor's role and the confidentiality owed to students. Similarly, a parent’s insistence does not automatically grant the right to breach confidentiality, as students also have rights to their personal information, particularly in circumstances where disclosing