Counseling Policy
The mission and purpose of the school is education. Schools may not assume the responsibility for psychological counseling or therapy because they are not qualified or licensed to provide such counseling or therapy.
However, through HOPE Counseling services short-term counseling is available for Mother of Sorrows students only during the academic school year. In emergency situations, a counselor(s) may see a student without parental consent. In addition, we have several programs offered through the Daughters of Charity Support System, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and other community resources. These services are voluntary, not mandatory, and at no cost to the families. Mother of Sorrows School is not liable for any of the services, referrals, assessments, recommendations, and/or any malpractice that either of the collaborators conducts. At Mother of Sorrows School, we will make every effort to assure that each program(s) is responsible for having the proper documentation and forms to adhere to HIPAA compliance. All records are confidential and the property of the service provider(s). At Mother of Sorrows, we will hold limited documentation of the program(s) that your child (ren) receives and as needed copies of consent forms/release of information forms/progress and closing summaries. The Parent(s)/Legal Guardians must sign a consent form for services to be provided.
Schools may engage in the following activities in addition to providing classroom instruction:
- Provide advice regarding academic subjects and student progress in school
- Give limited guidance to students who present with non-academic personal issues or situations
- Provide referrals to marriage and family counselors, child psychologists, licensed academic psychologists, psychiatrists and similar professionals for diagnosis and treatment. If the school provides referrals to parents, the list must include at least three names of qualified persons or entities
- Retain, where necessary, appropriate professionals to provide educational testing that is needed for assessment of a student's academic ability, learning patterns, achievement motivation, and personality factors directly related to academic learning problems, or psychological counseling services for the school. Prior to entering into such a contractual relationship, the principal will ensure that the person is credentialed, licensed or otherwise properly qualified. The school may refer a student for specific or additional testing, as appropriate, generally at the parent/guardian's expense.
In cases of actual or suspected child abuse or abuse of vulnerable adults, the Archdiocesan
The Victims' Assistance Ministry is available as a resource. The Victims' Assistance Ministry
provides outreach and guidance to those suffering from abuse; sponsors a faith-based trauma
recovery program; and assists in informing parish, school, archdiocesan and governmental
authorities of the allegations of abuse. Referral to the Victim's Assistance Ministry is not a
substitute for mandated reporting of suspected abuse. Such a report must be made in accordance with Archdiocesan policy.
