School Social Workers

Contact Us: 910-350-2089 Fax: 910-350-1831

David Hand MSW - Bio and Background!

Hello and thank you for visiting our website. I am a Canadian citizen by birth and US citizen via naturalization, I am a lifelong School Social Worker beginning my post-secondary education in 1980 at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology while I played intercollegiate football for the Manitoba Bison. My first Social Work degree was earned at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay Ontario in 1987 where I was class president. I began my career later that year. I returned to Lakehead University in 2000 to earn my Master of Social Work degree while continuing as a full-time School Social Worker for the Lakehead District School Board. Graduating in 2002 and specializing in School Social Work, I was appointed as the first Chief School Social Worker for the Lakehead District. I have two adult children Caitlin and Zachary who live and work in Ontario.

I immigrated to the United States with my wife Amy and our children, Tucker and Cooper in 2006 and I soon began working with New Hanover County District Schools at Wrightsboro Elementary. My wife Amy is also a School Social Worker at Ashley High where both of our boys currently participate in school, sports and and clubs.

At Laney since 2010, I work closely with my social work colleague Mollie Lea, our multidisciplinary Student Service Team and our entire Laney community to provide the best possible learning and growing environment we can for students. All of the support services we provide or facilitate at Laney are detailed in the "School Social Workers' Responsibilities, Ethics and Values" Page of this website.

I coordinate a number of school wide activities and I continue to serve and support my Laney community by operating food security programs, advising the Students Against Violence Everywhere/Sandy Hook Promise Club and an innovative Peer Support Group. In partnership with Food Bank CENC and Nourish NC students, I operate a school based Food Pantry with access to food daily and facilitate a monthly food security program for families. The clubs I advise aim to support students in harmonious school participation and to raise awareness and provide accurate, healthy information for students to care for themselves and others.

As apart-time Lecturer in the School of Social Work at UNCW and by supervising BSW/MSW School Social Work Interns completing their field placements at Laney, I continue to stay abreast of current research, contribute to the advancement of our discipline and enhance services to children and families. I enjoy officiating football and lacrosse at multiple levels of competition, recreational activities, cooking and traveling and spending time with my family.

Mollie Lea - Bio and Background

Hospital - Homebound Services

Hospital - Homebound Services are provided to students who are experiencing a diagnosed physical or mental health condition that temporarily interferes with their ability to participate in regular day school. The process begins with a parent / guardian application (attached below). By completing the top portion of the form, a parent / guardian requests these services and consents to the release of their child's medical or mental health information to school staff working with their child. The remainder of the form is completed by the student's licensed health care provider and must include, the student's diagnosis, the recommendation for these services, the anticipated length of time the services are required and the treatment plan. An initial meeting is held to develop and establish the program / services, followed by a review meeting approximately every 30 days thereafter. The goal is to provide students with the support they require to continue to earn high school credits until such time they are able to return to regular school participation.

Hospital-Homebound Services Request Form

For more information on Hospital Homebound services, email david.hand@nhcs.net

McKinney Vento - Homeless Students and Family Support

The McKinney Vento Act is a Federal Law providing support services to youth and families who are experiencing homelessness. The Federal definition of Homelessness is: "Lacking fixed, regular or adequate living arrangements". The majority of these families and youth find themselves "Doubled Up" with another family member or friend's home they own or lease. At times these individuals may also be living in Homeless Shelters, Hotels / Motels, Park Grounds, their vehicles or elsewhere.

For more information, contact Mollie Lea - mollie.lea@nhcs.net

Or visit: https://www.nhcs.net/divisions/student-support-services/mckinney-vento