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HCPSS / POLICIES

Policy 9100 Implementation Procedures - Educational Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Students

Policy Document

Implementation Procedures

I. Confidentiality and Disclosure

  1. Under the Annotated Code of Maryland, Health-General Article, Section 20-102, a minor has the same capacity as an adult to consent to treatment for, or advice about pregnancy.

    This treatment or advice is confidential and may not be disclosed without the student’s consent.

  2. If a student is pregnant, Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) employees should consider whether child abuse is an issue. If so, Policy 1030 Child Abuse and Neglect, must be followed, including all reporting requirements.

  3. When a student seeks counseling regarding pregnancy concerns, the first goal is to encourage the student to involve the family. HCPSS employees working with the pregnant student will provide information regarding community resources available to them.

II. Educational Decision-Making

  1. The school counselor and nurse will work collaboratively with pregnant or parenting students (or students who reportedly may be pregnant) to:

    1. Communicate student rights under this policy.

    2. Ensure that the student is aware of possible program modifications or alternative educational programs.

    3. Outline types of support available through the school system and associated eligibility guidelines.

    4. Provide appropriate community resource information.

    5. Provide assistance in accessing programs and resources.

  2. Modification of the educational program for minor pregnant or parenting students requires parental permission and prior approval of the principal/designee.

III. Other Support Services

  1. The nurse, in consultation with the school counselor or pupil personnel worker, will consider the following when developing a support plan for the pregnant student:

    1. The student’s age and developmental level.

    2. Whether child/sexual abuse or criminal assault is involved.

    3. The student’s parent(s) awareness of the pregnancy and their level of support.

    4. The student’s access to health care.

    5. The student’s access to safe, affordable, and reliable childcare.

    6. The student’s access to early education services.

    7. The student’s access to transportation services to and from school.

  2. HCPSS health employees will provide in-school support as appropriate.

  3. Referrals for appropriate services to the local agencies may be made, particularly if the student has no access to health care, by HCPSS health employees.

  4. Student services employees will cooperate as appropriate with other state and local agencies, such as health, welfare, and juvenile services and with private physicians or agencies to assure that the pregnant student receives proper medical, psychological, and social services during and following the pregnancy.

IV. Educational Programs

  1. Pregnant and parenting students will be made aware that a regional center and outreach services are available.

  2. Outreach services are available in their home school for all pregnant and parenting students.

  3. High school students seeking to enroll in the regional program for parenting students will be referred to the program facilitator. Parental consent is required for enrollment of minor students.

  4. School counselors will inform students of all possible alternative pathways to graduation.

  5. Students requesting home and hospital services before or after delivery will be referred to the Home and Hospital Teaching Office.

V. Monitoring

Policy 9100 implementation procedures will be overseen by the Division of Academics.

VI. History

ADOPTED: September 13, 1990

REVIEWED: January 27, 2023

MODIFIED:

  • September 19, 2017

  • April 7, 2022

  • March 7, 2024

REVISED:

  • January 10, 2008

  • January 12, 2017

EFFECTIVE: March 7, 2024

Policy History Key

  • Adopted-Original date the Board took action to approve a policy
  • Reviewed-The date the status of a policy was assessed by the Superintendent’s Standing Policy Group
  • Modified-The date the Board took action to alter a policy that based on the recommendation of the Superintendent/designee did not require a comprehensive examination
  • Revised-The date the Board took action on a that policy based on the recommendation of the Superintendent/designee needed a comprehensive examination
  • Effective-The date a policy is implemented throughout the HCPSS, typically July 1 following Board action.