42. School Social Work

Question 1

Common Reasons for Referral:

Answer 1

A SW has a responsibility to advocate on their behaviors such as teachers suspecting child abuse at home, falling asleep in class, or child who is malnourished as it impacts school performance

Parents would use a SW to get help for stressors outside of academic pressures (bullying), behavioral problems, and possible abuse or neglect

Question 2

Referring to an Individual Therapist:

Answer 2

A SW’s role is not to do ongoing therapy in schools, refer to an individual therapist if they find that it is necessary for a client

Question 3

Commonly Encountered Diagnoses:

Answer 3

In school settings, SW’s frequently deal with problems such as ADHD and learning disorders, which must have a psychologist to test for diagnoses

Question 4

Dealing with Family Plans:

Answer 4

If a family contacts a SW over a concern about a teacher or education plan, then the SW wants to help the client advocate for themselves (encouragement and self-determination)

A SW does not want to talk on behalf of a client, instead have them advocate (empowerment model)

If a child is bullied, SW should start with talking to the child themselves to see what is really going on, then determine next steps