How should schools think about liability and legal responsibilities related to Hope Squad referrals?

Legal requirements and protections vary by state, district, and the circumstances of a particular situation, so Hope Squad cannot determine a school’s potential liability or provide legal advice. Schools should follow their existing district policies and procedures for student safety, referrals, crisis response, documentation, and parent or caregiver communication, and consult district legal counsel or risk-management staff when questions arise.

The Hope Squad program is designed to operate within those existing systems. Hope Squad Members are not responsible for assessing risk, providing counseling, or making decisions about a student’s care. Their role is to notice concerns, offer appropriate peer support, and connect the student to a trusted adult. Once a concern reaches an adult, trained school personnel follow the school or district’s established procedures.

Some states have laws that may provide certain protections to individuals who provide emergency assistance in good faith, but those laws vary significantly and should not be treated as a blanket protection for Hope Squad implementation. Schools should rely on guidance from their district and legal counsel regarding applicable state law.