District adjusts counseling policy after state memo clarifies age of consent and parent opt‑in rules
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler has notified parents about an important change to counseling consent rules. He said he usually shares policy updates in his back‑to‑school email each August, but this situation is different. The district began the year collecting several new opt‑in forms from families. Now state guidance has led the school board to revise its policy.
Tyler said earlier this school year, “Another important change this year relates to counseling services. In accordance with new Alabama law, parents or guardians must now provide written consent for their child to participate in school counseling programs.” A later memo from the Alabama State Department of Education and State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey prompted the board to update its counseling policy to match the new direction…