What is true about confidentiality with minors?

• A. Confidentiality rights extend to the student’s parents, and parents may be present
• B. Parents may never be present
• C. Minors have no confidentiality rights
• D. Counselors should disclose all information to parents in all cases

Answer: (A)

In work with minors, confidentiality isn’t absolute. In the school setting, parents have legal rights to know about their child’s education and well-being, so confidentiality rights extend to them and they may be present or informed about counseling discussions as appropriate. A counselor typically explains what will be shared and with whom, and may involve parents to support the student’s welfare or comply with laws. There are important limits—for safety concerns, abuse reporting, or other mandated situations, information can be shared without a student’s prior consent. That balance explains why it’s true that confidentiality rights extend to parents and they may be present, while not implying that all information must always be disclosed or that confidentiality never applies.