What does a school social worker do?
I’m here to help students with things that may be affecting them at school, at home, or personally. This can include stress, friendships, family changes, emotions, attendance, behavior, basic needs, or just needing someone to talk to.

Do I have to be in trouble to come see you?
No. You do not have to be in trouble to come see me. You can reach out anytime you need support, have a question, are having a hard day, or just need help figuring something out.

How can I ask to see you?
You can stop by my office, ask a teacher, counselor, or administrator to help connect you with me, or submit a request through the referral form on this website.

What kinds of things can I talk to you about?
You can talk to me about stress, anxiety, friendships, bullying, family situations, grief, school problems, feeling overwhelmed, conflict, behavior, attendance, basic needs, or anything else that is making things harder for you.

Will you tell my parents or teachers everything I say?
No. I try to respect your privacy as much as possible. However, there are times when I may need to share information with another trusted adult, especially if I am concerned about your safety, someone else’s safety, or if I am required by law to report something.

What if I’m worried about a friend?
You can come talk to me if you are worried about a friend or another student. It is always okay to ask for help when you are concerned about someone.

Can you help me with something happening at home?
Yes. If something happening at home is making school or everyday life more difficult, you can talk to me about it. I can help you think through the situation and connect you or your family with additional support if needed.

What if I just need someone to talk to?
That is completely okay. You do not need to have a major problem to come see me. Sometimes having a safe place to talk things through can help.

Does asking for help mean something is wrong with me?
No. Everyone needs support sometimes. Asking for help can be a healthy way to handle problems, learn new skills, and take care of yourself.

What does a school social worker do?
A school social worker helps support students’ social, emotional, behavioral, and family needs that may affect their success at school. I also work with families, school staff, and community organizations to connect students with helpful resources and services.

Can parents or guardians contact you directly?
Yes. Parents and guardians are always welcome to contact me with questions, concerns, or requests for support.

What kinds of concerns can you help with?
I can assist with concerns involving emotional wellbeing, behavior, attendance, family changes, grief, peer relationships, basic needs, community resources, school adjustment, and other situations that may be affecting a student.

Can you help with concerns happening at home?
Yes. If a family situation is affecting your child’s wellbeing or school experience, I can help provide support, problem-solving, and referrals to appropriate community resources.

What if my child needs counseling or additional mental health support?
I can help identify appropriate school and community resources and assist families with connecting to outside mental health services when additional support is needed.

Can you help my family find community resources?
Yes. I can help connect families with resources related to food, clothing, healthcare, counseling, housing, transportation, basic needs, and other community services.

What happens after I submit a referral or request for support?
I will review the concern and determine the most appropriate next step. This may include meeting with the student, contacting the parent or guardian, collaborating with school staff, or connecting the family with additional resources.

Will I be notified if you meet with my child?
This depends on the reason for the meeting and the type of support being provided. When parent involvement is appropriate or necessary, I will make every effort to communicate and collaborate with you.

How is my child’s privacy handled?
Student information is treated with care and respect. Information is shared only when appropriate, necessary for the student’s support, or required for safety or legal reasons.

How can I contact you?
You can reach out through the contact information listed on this website or submit a request through the referral form. I encourage families to contact me anytime they have questions or concerns.

When should I refer a student to the school social worker?
A referral may be appropriate when you notice a student struggling socially, emotionally, behaviorally, with attendance, family concerns, basic needs, peer relationships, grief, stress, or other issues that may be affecting their success at school.

What kinds of concerns can I refer a student for?
Referrals may include concerns related to emotional wellbeing, attendance, behavior, family situations, grief, bullying, peer conflict, basic needs, community resources, school adjustment, or significant changes in a student’s behavior or functioning.

How do I submit a referral?
You can submit a referral through the staff referral form on this website. If you are unsure whether a referral is appropriate, you are also welcome to contact me directly.

What happens after I submit a referral?
I will review the information provided and determine the most appropriate next step. Depending on the situation, I may meet with the student, consult with staff, contact the parent or guardian, or connect the student or family with additional support.

Should I tell the student or parent before making a referral?
When appropriate, it can be helpful to let the student know you are connecting them with additional support. However, there may be situations where this is not appropriate. You are always welcome to consult with me first if you are unsure.

Can I consult with you about a student before submitting a referral?
Yes. You do not have to submit a formal referral just to ask a question. I am happy to consult with teachers and staff when you have concerns or are unsure about the best next step.

Can you help with attendance, behavior, family, or basic-needs concerns?
Yes. These are all areas where school social work support may be helpful. I can work with the student, family, school team, and community resources depending on the need.

Can you provide classroom presentations, small groups, or student support?
Yes, depending on campus needs and availability. I can collaborate with teachers and administrators to provide student support, prevention education, social-emotional activities, small groups, or presentations when appropriate.

What if I believe a student may be in immediate danger?
Follow all campus and district safety procedures immediately. Do not rely on the referral form for an urgent safety concern. Contact the appropriate administrator, counselor, social worker, or emergency personnel as required.

How will I know whether a student received support?
I may be able to let you know that a concern has been addressed or that support is being provided. Specific details may remain private depending on the situation and the student’s needs.