Overview

School social work is a specialized area of practice in the broad field of social work. Many of the economic, educational, and social challenges in the families of school-aged children have increased over the years, thus expanding the scope of service provided by the school social worker.

School Social Workers

  • function as a link between the home, school, and community by bringing people together to promote the educational success of students;
  • intervene when there is a social, familial, or economic challenge that impacts the learning process of students;
  • strengthen students’ learning opportunities, achievements, and socio-emotional functioning by providing the following services:
  • assisting families in identifying community services and resources
  • providing casework services to students who have problems adjusting to school
  • facilitating individual and group support sessions
  • consulting with teachers, administrators, and parents regarding classroom behavior, school policies, and procedures affecting student performance
  • acting as mandated reporters of suspected child abuse
  • participating in a team response to suicidal statements made by students
  • participating in crisis intervention teams
  • coordinating with the solicitor general and the DeKalb Juvenile Court to uphold the Georgia compulsory school attendance law
  • serve on county and systemwide committees that help address attendance, behavioral and emotional well being of students and child fatalities.

    • The Homeless program assists students and parents who meet the criteria under the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act defining them as homeless by:

    • facilitating the identification of homeless students;
    • insuring that homeless students are immediately enrolled;
    • resolving any disputes between the school and the parent;
    • arranging for school transportation or, when feasible, providing Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) “Breeze Cards;”
    • providing funds for the purchase of school band uniforms, cheerleading fees, junior and senior dues, educational field trips, and rental of musical instruments;
    • providing school supplies;
    • providing funds for school required immunizations and vision, hearing, and dental screenings;
      • referring homeless children to medical, dental, and other health services; and[/fusion_li_item]
      • providing other extraordinary or emergency assistance needed to enable homeless children and youth to attend school.

    Any student attending a DeKalb County school is eligible for social work services. To obtain the assistance of the school social worker, a written referral can be made by lead teachers, counselors, assistant principals, and principals.

    Contact Information