Schools: Recognize social workers' value

In Washington, the roles of school social workers, counselors, and psychologists are so muddled together it is leaving a shocking number of students in our public schools with unmet mental and behavioral health needs.

These days, children are not just dealing with complex math equations. They are forced to face hard adult situations like homelessness and mental illness.

A school staffing model should promote appropriate services by the most qualified professional in the school system. School social workers are trained in mental and behavioral health, but most take positions as guidance counselors and family support specialists. Ultimately children pay the price when school social workers remain undervalued and unrecognized.

The need for role definition is so great the Washington Association of School Social Workers, Washington School Counselors Association, School Nurse Association of Washington and the Washington State Association of School Psychologists have asked the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to establish this new collaborative approach.

School social workers are seeking legislative action in the form of House Bill 1900 as well. This bill will validate and define the distinct role of each profession.

This story was originally published November 19, 2015 at 1:31 PM with the headline "Schools: Recognize social workers' value."