Three systems that influence the lives of children are interrelated—schools, families, and communities. These three systems can exist in synchronicity but can also come into conflict and work against each other. National counseling codes of ethics indicate that school counselors work with families on behalf of students to achieve optimal academic and social-emotional development. Counselor preparation programs are increasingly focused on helping counselors become familiar with working with families because it moves the focus from the individual and from a deficit model to an approach that is collaborative, systems focused, and strengths based. Counselors in schools often are involved in engagement, outreach, inclusive strategies, and counseling practices for involving families in the academic and social-emotional success of K–12 students. This entry first discusses research indicating ...