Ella Dolhonde Elementary School

Social Work Services

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What do School Social Workers do?

School Social Workers identify, assess, and resolve difficulties which interfere with a student's attendance, adjustment, and achievement in school. They serve as a liaison among the school, home and community. They maintain an advocacy role to ensure the student's educational, social and emotional developmental needs are met in accordance with established laws, rules, and regulations. School Social Workers assist at-risk students, their teachers and families to keep the student in school in the best possible learning environment for their needs.

Research suggests that schools may function as the de facto mental health system for children and adolescents. In the school setting, social workers:

Provide social work services to any student experiencing school adjustment problems. Services may be individual, group, consultation, referral to community resources.
Offer crisis intervention services Cooperate with 504 and A/BIT committees Consult with parents/guardians and teachers
Coordinate with and refer to community agencies including, but not limited to, Truancy Assessment Services Center and Child Protection Services

When should a student be referred to the social worker?

Any problem which interferes with the student's success in the school setting is a reason to refer. This may include, but is not limited to the following:

Talk of suicide or extreme depression
Suspected abuse or neglect
Inappropriate behavior which is ongoing
Excessive unexcused absences (more than 5 in 1st semester; more than 10 in 2nd semester)
Fear or refusal to attend school
Chronic behavior problems and/or class disruptions
Low self esteem
Sexual talk or behavior which is age inappropriate