Family School Liaison Counsellor Program

What is the Family School Liaison Counseling Program?

The Family School Liaison Counseling Program is a resource provided to Students, Parents, Teachers and School Personnel. Assessing, understanding and resolving issues that affect a student's ability to learn and participate is a key objective of the program. The program relies on counseling, consulting, problem solving and a life skills approach.

Who are Family School Liaison Counselor's?

All of the counselors employed with the Westwind School Division #74 have University training (minimally at the bachelor's degree level) in an area of human services and have experience in providing counseling and other related services to "at risk" students and their families that are experiencing emotional, social or academic problems.

What issues are addressed?

Issues could include peer relationships, childhood trauma, loss of a loved one, playground bullying, etc. Drug and alcohol abuse by either student or caregivers, learning disabilities, developmental delays, suicide, depression, blended family issues and communication are all areas that a counselor may address in partnership with another professional or agency.

Is there a cost?

The program is funded by the Westwind School Division and a number of Provincial and Community agencies. There is no financial cost to the participants. For the program to be successful however, a commitment of time and effort is required of all participants.

Is it confidential?

Confidentiality in this program is subject to two key concepts:

1. Compliance with the Freedom of information and Protection of Privacy Act is required by law. We won't share your information without your consent.

2. Communication and Information sharing with individuals and agencies is vital for this program to be effective. Not often, but occasionally reports to other agencies are required by law.

Who can make a referral and how?

Referrals can originate from students, parents, teachers or other appropriate professionals. Contact names and numbers are available through your specific school or the Westwind Division Office at 653-4991.

Will my child be seen by a counselor without my consent?

Parental involvement and assistance in this program is vital and the wishes of guardians will be respected. In some instances, the Counselor may be asked to consult with staff or meet briefly with a student prior to parental contact to recommend a temporary course of action or determine whether a referral to the program would be viable. In these cases, any further involvement will only occur with parental consent.