Counsellor's role     September 16,1997

Dear Sir,

We, the Bermuda Counsellor's Association, would like to take this opportunity to respond to your article of "Counsellor behind sex complaints against teacher, court is told" reported in your
paper on Thursday, September 11, 1997.
We would like to inform the public of the ethical and professional responsibilities of counsellors to their clients/students. Our international code of Ethics and Standards of Practice states that "the primary responsibilities of counsellors is to respect the dignity and to promote the welfare of clients".
Therefore, it is the role of the counsellor to protect the physical and psychological well being of the client.
The Code of Ethics states: "Counsellors respect their client's right to privacy and avoid illegal, unwarranted disclosures of confidential information. The general requirement that counsellors keep information confidential does not apply when disclosure is required to prevent clear and imminent danger to the client or others, or when legal requirements demand that confidential information be revealed." 
However, in school settings, because students 'are minors, confidential information may need to be disclosed in situations that involves potential student suicide, students that present danger to others, student drug abuse and suspected child abuse.
It appears the counsellor in your article had an ethical obligation to report suspected abuse of her minor client. In light of this case and others, it is obvious that legislation on mandatory reporting must be implemented immediately for the protection of our children and the community. 

BERMUDA COUNSELLORS' ASSOCIATION