Texas SB 12 Explained: What Parents Need to Know | Strong Voices
What does Texas Senate Bill 12 mean for your child and your family? In Episode 4 of Strong Voices, Dr. Ashley Barnes and Dr. Victoria Sendejo talk with Lauren Sly and Katie Francis of Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County about parental rights, school-based services, consent forms, and student confidentiality. Learn how parents can ask questions, advocate for their children, and build stronger partnerships with schools while navigating changes in education law.
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In This Episode
- Understanding SB 12: Learn about the law’s implementation and how it has affected school districts and organizations providing services on campus.
- Parental consent and school services: Explore why consent matters, how forms may differ depending on the services being provided, and why parents should understand what they are agreeing to.
- Communication about sensitive topics: Discuss how schools and support professionals can involve parents in conversations about students’ needs while maintaining supportive relationships.
- Student confidentiality: Learn how confidentiality and privacy practices remain important, with different requirements depending on the type of service and professional role.
- Partnering with families: Hear why listening to parents, building trust, and helping families access resources are essential parts of supporting students.
- Advocating for your child: Discover how to ask questions, request clarification, and identify the appropriate school or district contact when concerns remain.
- Understanding opt-out decisions: Consider how consent decisions can affect participation in certain services or activities and why it is important to understand the implications before making a decision.
Key Takeaways
1. Parents deserve to understand what they are signing.
Consent forms can be complicated, particularly when families are navigating multiple school requirements. Parents should feel comfortable asking for explanations and taking the time they need to make informed decisions.
2. Asking questions is part of being an advocate.
If a form, policy, or school interaction is unclear, parents can ask for clarification and seek out another appropriate contact if their initial questions are not answered.
3. Strong relationships between families and schools matter.
Parents and school professionals share an interest in supporting students. Open communication and a willingness to listen can help build trust and make it easier to identify appropriate resources.
4. Consent and confidentiality are different considerations.
Parents should ask what they are consenting to, what services are included, how information is handled, and who may have access to it. The guests explain that privacy practices and consent requirements can vary by service and professional role.
5. A consent decision may have practical consequences.
Before signing or declining a form, parents should ask what the decision means for their child’s access to particular services, presentations, or activities and whether alternatives will be available.
6. Support is available beyond the first person you ask.
If a parent is unsure where to turn, the school counselor is not necessarily the last point of contact. Other school staff and district personnel may be able to answer questions or help direct the family to the right resource.
Practical Strategies Shared
Slow down and ask questions.
If you are unsure what a form means, ask the school to explain it in plain language. You can ask which services are covered, what participation involves, and how to follow up if questions arise later.
Find out what consent covers.
Ask whether a form applies to assessments, ongoing services, counseling, or another activity. Confirm how consent can be changed or revoked and whom you should contact with additional questions.
Keep school communications on your radar.
Make time to review forms, emails, and notices sent home from school. If you need more time to understand the information, ask whether you can review it and follow up before making a decision.
Speak up when you need more information.
If your initial contact cannot answer your questions, ask who else can help. Depending on your concern, that might be another school professional, an administrator, or someone at the district level.
Approach conversations as a partnership.
Share your concerns and explain what you want for your child. Listen to the information the school provides, ask about available options, and work toward a clear understanding of the next steps.
Ask about confidentiality and privacy.
If your child receives school-based support, ask how records and conversations are handled, what confidentiality protections apply, and what information may be shared.
Understand the impact of opting out.
Before declining consent for a particular service or activity, ask what your child’s participation would look like, whether an alternative arrangement would be made, and how the decision may affect access to support.
Featured Guests
Lauren Sly is the Chief Operating Officer at Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County. She has been with the organization for 14 years, is a licensed master social worker, is pursuing her doctorate in social work, and is a mother of two. Her work includes helping coordinate support for students and families through partnerships with local schools.
Katie Francis is the Vice President of Mental Health Services at Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County. She is a licensed clinical social worker supervisor and has worked with the organization for six years. Her experience includes mental health services and the processes involved in providing appropriate support to students and families.
Resources Mentioned
- Texas Senate Bill 12 (SB 12): Parents can review information provided by their school district to understand how the law and related consent processes are being communicated locally.
- Your child’s school: Contact the school counselor, registrar, assistant principal, or principal when you need clarification about a form, service, or school policy.
- Your school district: District staff and official district communications may provide additional explanations of consent requirements and school procedures.
- Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County: The organization works with schools to connect students and families with support services and resources.
Note: This episode is intended to help families understand the discussion around SB 12. It is not legal advice. Consent requirements and available services may vary by circumstance, so parents should consult their school district or an appropriate professional about questions specific to their child.
About the Strong Voices Podcast
Strong Voices is a Lena Pope podcast hosted by Dr. Ashley Barnes, Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Victoria Sendejo, Chief Engagement Officer. The show creates space for honest conversations about concerns in our world, the seasons of life as a parent, and how to navigate difficult conversations with children. Through expert insights and practical guidance, Strong Voices helps equip parents and caregivers to support children, strengthen relationships, and build stronger families.