School Social Workers reach out to students and their families to overcome barriers that interfere with school adjustment and success. They work with individual students, small groups and families in schools, in homes and in the community. The student and family participate with the social worker to assess their needs, develop and implement an intervention plan, and involve appropriate school and community resources. Barriers in the lives of students include: attendance issues; child abuse, neglect and dependency; trauma, grief and loss; poverty and homelessness; family conflict; domestic violence; delinquency; gang involvement; learning problems and developmental delays; teen pregnancy and parenting needs; and other economic and behavioral issues. All workers are licensed in school social work; most are additionally licensed in clinical social work.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
School Health and Wellness Centers are staffed by medical personnel and clinical social workers to address the physical and mental health needs of students who have been enrolled by their parents or guardians. The School Social Worker for Teen Mothers and Their Children assists clients with completing high school and promoting their awareness of the health and developmental needs of their babies. Supported by Smart Start of Forsyth County and The Women's Fund, the role of this worker is to aid students in accessing appropriate child care, parenting information, tutors, counseling, transportation, emergency assistance, etc. The social worker is available to students and their families, as well as to school staff for consultation. She is licensed in clinical social work and infant/toddler child development. Service for teen mothers is supported by a bilingual community outreach worker who assists with program implementation. Truancy Court combines criminal and juvenile courts to address excessive absenteeism through a focus on family dynamics. The Truancy Court Coordinator is a school social worker who consults with school staff regarding truancy, screens court cases to ensure accuracy of documentation, coordinates the issuance of summonses, and manages the court proceedings. The social workers assigned to individual schools provide intervention services to students and families as well as case coordination pre- and post-court. School Church Connection is a partnership of churches and social workers that provides volunteer opportunities in schools, donations to the School Buddies Fund , and donations of food, school supplies and hygiene items.
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