The Social Worker

An important component for the school community is counseling and community outreach. An African proverb says, "It takes an entire village to raise a child". In keeping with that saying, "It takes an entire community to educate a child". The school social worker has the expertise and knowledge to create the necessary community linkage.

The social worker should complete a psychosocial assessment on each child. The assessment must recognize that the activities, functions and behaviors of a child includes two major dimensions:

• Internal Dimensions - feelings, attitudes, thoughts, fantasies, memory, judgment, values and self image
• Social Dimensions - relationships with the environment, people and circumstances surrounding the child

Specific Areas to Assess:

• Family/significant others - Identify key individuals in the child's/young adult's life and the dynamics within the family structure, how parents and siblings relate to each other, ways in which affection is given and received among family members, etc.
• Traumatic/significant life events - i.e. household move, divorce, separation from friends, death of a relative or pet, death of another patient being treated at the center.
• General personality and behavior - mood, affect, attitude, responsiveness, and morale.
• Physical appearance - dress, cleanliness, and neatness.
• Social activities - hobbies and interests.
• Education - learning ability and attitude toward school.
• Family background - socio/economic status.
• Sex - orientation, activity, and awareness.
• Awareness and understanding of illness - fears and questions.
• Health care costs

Other Areas to Address:

• Resource development.
• Community outreach - Referrals.
• Family conferences.
• Education groups - child and family.