What should a counselor do when working with self-referrals from a minor?

• A. Follow government and school regulations for when and how to obtain parental consent
• B. Allow self-consent from minor without notice
• C. Ignore parental consent requirements
• D. Only obtain consent if the parent requests

Answer: (A)

When a minor self-refers for counseling, the counselor must operate within the law and school policies by obtaining parental consent according to government and school regulations. This framework sets who must be informed, when consent is required, and how it should be documented, ensuring both ethical practice and legal compliance. Self-referral does not automatically waive the need for parental involvement; following these regulations protects the student’s rights while outlining the boundaries of confidentiality and information sharing. There are specific situations—such as emancipated minors, certain confidential services, or safety concerns—where procedures may differ, but the standard approach is to adhere to the established consent requirements.