School Social Work Practice Tools

The spread and danger of COVID-19 prompted Pre K-12 schools to close unexpectedly during the Spring of 2020.

The opening of the 2020-2021 school year is different from previous school years due to COVID-19. School social workers will need to be skillful with the flexibility to provide services to students, parents, and staff in-person or remotely. The following resources from NASW and the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) provide additional supports as you prepare for the 2020-2021 school year.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we firmly believe that the to return to in-person instruction in our nation’s schools must be guided by reliable local public health data, and it must consider the needs of students, families, and staff.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, school social workers are essential staff and continue to play a vital role in ensuring that students continue to receive much-needed mental health, education and other services despite school disruptions from the pandemic.

School violence and bullying may affect a student’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Ethical social work practice in school systems involves a myriad of complex variables that demand a sound knowledge of the NASW Code of Ethics, along with legal, statutory, and other requirements. These tips address important considerations necessary to arrive at solid ethical outcomes in school settings.