When should a counselor consider destroying sole possession records?

The consideration for destroying sole possession records is fundamentally linked to the context of their relevance and the purpose they serve. Sole possession records are personal notes kept by counselors that are not shared with anyone else and are used primarily for the counselor’s own reference during counseling sessions. Once a student graduates or transitions to a different educational level, the relevance of these records diminishes, as they pertain specifically to the student’s time in a particular educational setting.

Destroying these records upon a student's graduation or transition ensures that the counselor is honoring the student’s confidentiality and privacy. Once the student's educational journey in that specific environment is concluded, the need for these records decreases significantly, aligning with ethical practices surrounding student information and confidentiality.

Retention after a student has left a school or moved up a grade level could breach the principles of confidentiality, making option B the most appropriate choice in accordance with the ASCA Ethical Standards.