Who Are School Social Workers?

School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals who can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic, and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators as well as provide individual and group therapy.  School Social Workers are the link between the home, school and community in providing direct as well as indirect services to students, families and school personnel to promote and support students' academic and social success.

Why Do Schools Need Social Workers?

Children today are increasingly victims of many social forces that negatively affect their role as students. The family is in a state of change and until it becomes stabilized, in whatever form, children's unmet physical and emotional needs will continue to interfere with their ability to learn and adjust in school.

Role of School Social Worker. SSWAA. (n.d.). https://www.sswaa.org/school-social-work.

Social Work Services Include:

• Serve as liaison between school, home, and community 
• Assess student needs, issues, and problems affecting the child’s educational process
• Facilitate the re-entry of students from out of district programs and community agencies (ex. Foster Care, Treatment Programs, etc.)
• Provide consultation/intervention services in response to suspected child abuse situations
• Coordinate services for families and students to maximize functioning
• Network with community agencies and provide referrals
• Provide outreach to parents
• Help students who have problems with abuse, neglect, and/or family violence
• Provide individual and group counseling
• Provide educational and support groups
• Provide crisis intervention services

Referrals

Please send student and/or family referrals to designated school administrator

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

Crisis Numbers

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line: Text “Home” to 741-741

Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Abuse/Neglect Reporting Options

To report child abuse and neglect call toll-free:

(877) 597-2331

(877) KYSAFE1

(800) 752-6200

Call 911 in case of an emergency

https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dpp/cpb/Pages/default.aspx