The case for counselling provision in schools

This paper examines the case for including counselling as part of the normal school provision. It looks briefly at the statutory basis for pastoral care and then goes on to examine the present provision in two Education and Library Board Areas. An argument is then developed that suggests the true figure for child abuse may be much higher than is currently accepted and it uses this as the basis for supporting the need for providing school counselling. Finally it considers the experience of one school and uses this to substantiate the premise that counsellors in school are a “must” rather than a “luxury”.