Written Anonymously
Research indicates between 18-20 percent of students have mental health issues significant enough to cause impairment to major life functions (Dore, 2005), yet only one in five receives the necessary services (Kaffenberger, Seligman, 2007). Furthermore, certain students, including students with disabilities, and students from low income families, are at greater risk for mental health challenges, but are even less likely to receive the appropriate services (Vera, Buhin, & Shin, 2006).
Students with untreated mental health issues may develop more significant problems which can greatly impact their educational experience and result in poor educational outcomes and possibly dropping out of school (Erford, Newsome, & Rock, 2007). School social workers design and implement school-based programs to promote a positive school climate among all students. They work with the entire student body to identify students in need of more intensive interventions and connect these students to additional services in the community where needed.
School social workers serve as a resource to the principal and other educators, providing consultation and training on identifying students with mental health needs and a referral process when services are sought. Working more closely with individual students and their families, school social workers also create a bridge between the school and the community when linking such services. This coordination is critical in a successful school and community partnership to maximize limited resources, facilitate better service delivery, and maintain communication.
Social work in school as a profession still conflicted about its central mission and if drafted concern is their need and role in the school is frequent, because teachers and parents alone cannot elucidate for the problem faced by children. A large number of colleges/department of social work in the country should introduce the school social work in their theory classes and also involve field work placement of students in school settings. So the non-availability of literature in this field hampers systematic teaching and practice. As a remedy for these consciences sensitization programs on school social work and school social worker are becoming more directed today is concerned.
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