School Social Workers

What is a School Social Worker?

School Social Workers provide direct and indirect services to students, families, and school personnel to promote and support students' academic and social success.  A School Social Worker is an advocate for students. They work to address and remove barriers affecting a student's ability to learn by strengthening partnerships in the home, school, and community. They provide services related to a person's social, emotional, and life adjustment to school and/or society.  

What is a School Social Worker's training?

Wisconsin School Social Workers are required to hold a master's degree in social work from an accredited university as well as a school social work license from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction in order to work in the school setting.  This training includes but is not limited to two semesters of fieldwork in a school setting, additional fieldwork in an agency whose major responsibility is to service children and youth, and training in mental health, psychopathology, human development, and special education.

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Families in Transition

Family Rights Under McKinney-Vento

Students who are identified as homeless by the school district’s homeless-families in transition  liaison have the following rights from the point of identification:

• Immediate school enrollment: Even without proof of residency, guardianship, immunizations, or school records.

• School choice: Students may choose to stay at the school of origin (the school attended when permanently housed or the school last attended), or to enroll in the school where currently living for the remainder of the academic year (boundary school).

• Free lunches: Students are automatically eligible to receive free lunch for the duration of the school year.

• School fee waivers: Students have the right to receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to the student’s needs.

• School Supplies: Access to educational materials and supplies.

• Transportation: Eligible to receive transportation to and from the school of origin for the duration of the school year.  Transportation shall be provided in accordance with district transportation guidelines.

• Other Resources: Assistance linking to community resources and support.