In an ideal world,
every family would be stable and supportive,
and every child’s needs would be met.
But in reality, families who live in poverty,
with mental illness, chemical abuse,
or other issues,
may need the help of child, family,
and school social workers to find their way.
An important role of these social workers
is to help clients understand the range of
services available to them,
connect them to organizations and programs
that will help them,
and teach them how to advocate
for themselves in the future.
Good record keeping of conversations
and activity is critical.
Child and family social workers
protect vulnerable children
and help families function more effectively.
They often connect families with housing,
child care, and welfare assistance.
They may promote better parenting skills,
coordinate adoptions, and find foster homes
for abandoned or abused children.
School social workers deal with problems like
bullying, truancy, and teenage pregnancy,
and they may also advise teachers.
Some travel to multiple schools
in a school district.
Child, family, and school social workers
work for government agencies, non-profits,
school systems, and in residential facilities.
A bachelor’s degree in social work
is the most common requirement
to enter the field,
though many also earn a master’s
in social work.
While the work can be emotionally taxing,
child, family, and school social workers help
lighten the load for
struggling children and families,
and give them hope for a brighter future.