Lawsuits against Counselors Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Lawsuits against Counselors - Essay Example In 2001, a high school counselor was sued because a student claimed he was told a particular English class was accredited, but he later lost his scholarship because it wasn't. The guidance counselor denied giving the student that advice, but the courts ruled in favor of the student. Karla Scoon Reid's news report reads, "A high school counselor can be sued for dispensing academic advice that has an adverse effect on a student." In this instance, the counselor could have saved himself the trouble by double-checking to make sure the class was properly accredited, especially since it was new to the high school's curriculum. With recent allegations having come forth regarding Catholic priests and molestation/rape, it is no wonder that failure to report child abuse is a huge faux pas. Child abuse charges that need to be reported are not only ones of a sexual nature, but also physical abuse. As well, clergy counselors are especially susceptible. A website report on clergy counselors reads, "At least nine states have permitted adults who were abused as children to sue clergy counselors (para. 1)." Since each state has different laws, counselors who are made aware of child abuse need to stay updated on exactly what allegations need to be reported, and which officials are appropriate to contact in each specific case. The most common cause of lawsuits against counselors, perhaps, is failure to prevent suicide.