By April Ferguson, LCSW-C
As we wrap up mental awareness health month, NASW acknowledges the school social workers role in supporting mental health in the school system. School social workers provide prevention and early intervention services that promote student mental health and academic success. There is currently a crisis in youth mental health, and it is increasingly important that students and families have mental health support accessible within their school communities. According to a new United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) USA report, AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION Addressing Disparities in Child Well-being, “An estimated 14 million children in America attend schools with no counselor, nurse, psychologist or social worker.”
This shortage is concerning, as school social workers play a vital role in fostering a positive and supportive school climate. The NASW Practice Standards for School Social Workers establish guidelines for school social workers to create safe learning environments where students thrive. The multitier interventions section highlights the tier level framework of prevention and intervention efforts that support the school population (tier 1), small groups (tier 2) and individuals (tier 3). Although some students may not need individualized support, school social workers aim to improve the whole school community with tier 1 level interventions. School wide interventions can support violence and bullying prevention and/or provide awareness initiatives around adverse childhood experiences.
Recent cuts to educational funding for school mental health services may lead to job losses for school social workers and, more critically, limit students’ access to essential support. School social workers have long supported student mental health and have connected families to community services. The loss of their work may impact the school climate and academic achievement. NASW values the work of school social workers and continues to advocate for their services.
