Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Texas
Have just learned that my 8 year old has been seeing a school counselor. This has happened several times without my knowledge. The child states that they just call her in, she has never requested counseling. When I ask the counselor what is the purpose, or what are the results, or can you include me, the counselor responded with "It's confidential, your child can tell you when we meet". I have no idea what the counselor's qualifications are, if their values and opinions are in line with mine. I would prefer that if my child requires counseling, that I choose the professional. Can the school randomly counsel my child without my direction or knowledge? What are my rights?
1 Answer from Attorneys
1. You should write to the school (a PAPER letter) and tell them that they don't have your permission to counsel your child. Send the letter by certified mail, with a return receipt requested. Keep a copy.
2. You should write a personal letter to the counselor (a PAPER letter) and tell him that he doesn't have your permission to counsel your child. Send the letter by certified mail, with a return receipt requested. Keep a copy.
3. Tell your CHILD not to talk to the counselor. Tell your child to tell the COUNSELOR that you told her to say this. Write a note for your child to carry with her, something she can hand to the counselor if the dirtbags shanghai her again: "To whom it may concern: Do not engage in any form of counseling with my child without my permission. My child has instructions not to talk to you. I suggest you read the Supreme Court decision of Troxel vs. Granville, 530 U.S. 57 (2000). If you attempt to counsel my child without my permission, be prepared to face a federal lawsuit in which you will be sued personally, along with any schools, school districts, and organizations that you front for. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. This note, and the certified letter that I sent to you, will be offered into evidence when you are brought to trial. Here are phone numbers where I can be reached: 972 881-2331, 972 278-3344. Signed, Melissa's Mom."