Requires licensed social workers in each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high and senior high school

1 Co-sponsor

• Bill Perkins

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring a licensed social worker in each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high and senior high school

Purpose or general idea of bill

To insure that all elementary, intermediate, middle, junior and senior high schools throughout New York State have an effective social work program in place to meet the needs of their students.

Summary of specific provisions

The education law is amended by adding a new section 803-b, to require the board of trustees of every school district to employ at least one licensed social worker in each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high and senior high school under their jurisdiction. This employment shall be exclusive of any social workers funded or mandated through any special education funding, aid, regulation or statute.

Justification

The role and function of a school social worker and the role and function of other pupil personnel services are distinctly separate. In addition to possessing certification through the Office of Teaching Initiatives, school social workers are licensed by the New York State Board of Regents with a scope of practice legally protected under Article 154 of the New York State Education Law.

School social workers are at the forefront of school social, behavioral, and community issues. The skills and competencies of school social workers enable schools to carry out their primary functions of educating all pupils more effectively. Reducing or eliminating the presence of social workers in our schools would have a devastating effect on our students. Given the current economic crisis and the resulting impact on families and children, stress and worry has risen sharply due to loss of income, rising debt, unemployment, underemployment, loss of insurance, housing instability, hunger, and many other factors.

These factors are known to contribute to increased incidence of mental illness, substance abuse, suicide, violence, crime, and, in an academic environment, may be attributed to increased absence and risk of school failure. School social workers are qualified to address these factors. By applying appropriate intervention strategies, school social workers are able to alleviate some of these issues and support academic success. Every student in New York deserves equal access to services and every school in New York should provide the important services social workers can provide.

Legislative history

New Bill in the Senate

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

Exact Costs Unknown, but there will be a cost to local school districts

Effective date

Immediately