Shortage of School Social Workers a Concern

In Brief

According to a new United Nations Children’s Fund USA report, an estimated 14 million children in America attend schools with no counselor, nurse, psychologist or social worker.

This shortage is concerning, as school social workers play a vital role in fostering a positive and supportive school climate, says NASW Senior Practice Associate April Ferguson, LCSW-C, in a blog post. Ferguson notes the NASW Practice Standards for School Social Workers establish guidelines for school social workers to create safe learning environments where students thrive.

Recent cuts to educational funding for school mental health services may lead to job losses for school social workers and, more critically, limit students’ access to essential support, she writes. “School social workers have long supported student mental health and have connected families to community services,” Ferguson says. “The loss of their work may impact the school climate and academic achievement. NASW values the work of school social workers and continues to advocate for their services.”