Dear Parents and Guardians,
Winfield City Schools is committed to supporting the academic, social, and emotional success of every student. As part of this commitment, our district employs a District Mental Health Services Coordinator who helps ensure students have access to appropriate mental health support.
In accordance with Alabama Act 2022-442 and Alabama Act 2025-455, we are required to provide you with annual written notification about the mental health services available in our schools. These laws mandate that each school district employ a mental health services coordinator, adopt a parental opt-in policy for mental health services, and obtain parental consent when required.
Mental Health Services at Winfield City Schools
• Available Services: Mental health services may include guidance counseling, suicide prevention support, bullying prevention counseling, mental health assessments, surveys, or related programs delivered by school personnel or contracted providers.
• Counselor Duties: General advisement, instruction, classroom lessons, and occasional interventions remain part of the regular duties of school counselors and are not subject to the opt-in requirements.
• Parental Consent Requirement:
o For students under 16 years of age, written parental permission is required for a student to participate in ongoing counseling or mental health services.
o For students 16 years of age and older, parental permission is not required by law, although parents may still be involved in discussions about support.
Student Records and Privacy
All records related to mental health services are treated as confidential health care records. They are stored separately from academic records and handled according to state and federal privacy laws.
Referrals and Additional Support
When a student requires long-term counseling services or support beyond what the school can provide, it is the ethical responsibility of our school counselors, the District Mental Health Coordinator, and other school personnel to refer families to appropriate school or community resources.
Important Reminder
As required by Alabama law, any person who knows, suspects, or has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused or neglected must report this immediately to the appropriate authorities.
We value our partnership with you in ensuring the well-being of all students. If you would like more information about school-based mental health services, or if you believe your child may benefit from ongoing counseling support, please contact the District Mental Health Services Coordinator at 205-487-6900.
Thank you for your continued support of Winfield City Schools.
Sincerely,
Randy Thomley
Superintendent
Winfield City Schools