March 5-11, 2006 Proclaimed School Social Work Week SMITHFIELD-- In a proclamation establishing March 5-11, 2006, as School Social Worker's Week, Governor Mike Easley states that every citizen has the right to obtain a basic education. The Governor also recognizes that some students with special needs and concerns need help in receiving their education. Working to provide that assistance, School Social Workers in our education system offer essential services to promote the maximum development of student potential. School Social Workers encourage parents to take an active role in the education of their children. Johnston County has seven School Social Workers in the Student Services Department and one School Social Worker who serves Selma Elementary. These seven School Social Workers serve a total school population of 27,500. School Social Work services are designed to serve as a link between home, school, and the community. The School Social Workers are assigned to a cluster of schools to provide direct services to families, act as a liaison with community agencies, and provide consultation to teachers and parents. School Social Workers review referrals before making contact with a student and family. After assessing the student/family situation, a plan of service is developed. Feedback is provided to the referral source. Ongoing services are provided until a mutual solution has been reached by all concerned parties. With the knowledge and skills of people and of society's ever changing issues, the School Social Worker helps to alleviate barriers that impede education. All seven Johnston County School Social Workers have been certified by the Department of Public Instruction. During the 2005-2006 school year, the following school social work services were provided to students and their families: 6062 Social Work referrals were received from 34 schools; 1231 school visits; 3933 parent conferences; 1195 student conferences; 1632 home visits; 169 students/families transported; 282 community referrals; and 109 court appearances. In addition to their daily responsibilities, School Social Workers are active members of community and/or school based committees and organizations. Some of these activities include the following: County Wide Crisis Team, School Health Advisory Council, Career Day at schools, Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Johnston County Council on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention, NCWise Steering Committee, Member of Hispanic Council, School Level Crisis Team, Meth Lab Protocol Committee. "A School Social Worker's job is to eliminate barriers to education for students and families so students can be successful in school," said Etta Marett, Coordinator of School Social Workers. "Through our work, we hope to make a difference in the lives of every student we serve."
