To: The South Carolina State House, The South Carolina State Senate, and Governor Henry McMaster
Save Our Children! A Call for Licensed School Social Workers!
Please support amending South Carolina Bill H 3365 to include social workers in every school.
Why is this important?
South Carolina Bill H 3365, calling for a full-time school psychologist in all South Carolina schools, is currently active in this legislative session and has been referred to the Committee on Education and Public Works. This bill stipulates that school psychologists must "identify students in need of mental health counseling, promote awareness of mental health issues and the availability of treatment, screen and identify students for mental health issues, and provide appropriate mental health counseling and make referrals for appropriate social services counseling". This bill does not take into consideration the already full caseload of school psychologists as well as their other responsibilities such as psychometric testing. We believe that licensed masters of school social workers are the missing component in this bill and would serve a vital role in filling the gap in mental health services for students.
A recent study surveyed social workers, school psychologists, and school counselors in order to determine the actual proportion of their time that was dedicated to certain roles. The study revealed that school social workers and counselors spent more time counseling, while school psychologists spent more time with testing and report writing. If we allow Bill H 3365 to pass without including licensed social workers, our children could get “identified and possibly referred” to outside agencies but may not receive the services they need. The inclusion of social workers in this bill would bridge this gap between the student (and their family) and the school. Please sign this petition as support for including licensed masters of social workers as part of this bill. As South Carolina residents, we want to let the committee members know how much we value our children and want to ensure that their mental health needs are adequately served. We need your help!
Working cooperatively, school psychologists and social workers will be able to offer comprehensive developmental, behavioral, and mental health services that will improve students’ social and emotional health and academic success. Please show your support by signing this petition.
A recent study surveyed social workers, school psychologists, and school counselors in order to determine the actual proportion of their time that was dedicated to certain roles. The study revealed that school social workers and counselors spent more time counseling, while school psychologists spent more time with testing and report writing. If we allow Bill H 3365 to pass without including licensed social workers, our children could get “identified and possibly referred” to outside agencies but may not receive the services they need. The inclusion of social workers in this bill would bridge this gap between the student (and their family) and the school. Please sign this petition as support for including licensed masters of social workers as part of this bill. As South Carolina residents, we want to let the committee members know how much we value our children and want to ensure that their mental health needs are adequately served. We need your help!
Working cooperatively, school psychologists and social workers will be able to offer comprehensive developmental, behavioral, and mental health services that will improve students’ social and emotional health and academic success. Please show your support by signing this petition.