Substance-Abuse Treatment
Schools and service agencies should learn about the numerous federal laws that guarantee strict confidentiality to youths receiving services for alcohol and drug abuse. School-based substance-abuse programs, except for classroom education programs, must adhere to these federal requirements. Laws vary widely from state to state.
McWhinney, Haskins-Herkenham, and Hare (1992) emphasize that schools must clarify confidentiality restrictions when students receive substance-abuse services:
"School districts should establish guidelines to clarify the parameters of confidentiality guaranteed to the student and the responsibility of the school social worker regarding the involvement of appropriate resources, including the family or law enforcement officials." (p. 4)
