Bill Summary
The resolution expresses support for designating the week beginning March 2, 2025, as "School Social Work Week." It highlights the critical role of school social workers in addressing various challenges that students face, including mental health issues, poverty, and discrimination. The resolution underscores the necessity of school social workers, especially given the rising prevalence of mental and behavioral health disorders among children. It emphasizes their contributions to early intervention, counseling, and community outreach, which are essential for improving educational outcomes and fostering a supportive school environment. The resolution calls on the public to recognize and celebrate the vital work of school social workers through appropriate activities and ceremonies during this week.
Possible Impacts
The resolution designating the week beginning March 2, 2025, as "School Social Work Week" can have several impacts on individuals and communities. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Awareness of Mental Health Services**: The designation of "School Social Work Week" can raise awareness among parents, educators, and students about the availability and importance of school social workers. This heightened awareness may encourage families to seek help for children facing mental health challenges, ultimately leading to improved access to necessary services and support for those in need.
2. **Enhanced Support for Students**: By honoring school social workers and recognizing their contributions, the resolution may lead to increased funding and resources for school mental health programs. This could result in better support systems for students dealing with issues such as bullying, family stress, and mental illness, thereby fostering a more conducive learning environment and improving academic outcomes.
3. **Strengthened Community Partnerships**: The resolution encourages community involvement in recognizing the role of school social workers. This can lead to the formation of partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations, creating a collaborative support system that addresses the multifaceted challenges students face. Such partnerships can enhance the effectiveness of interventions and promote a holistic approach to student well-being and success.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 196 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 196
Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning March 2,
2025, as ``School Social Work Week''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 5, 2025
Ms. Moore of Wisconsin (for herself, Ms. Scholten, and Ms. Garcia of
Texas) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on Education and Workforce
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning March 2,
2025, as ``School Social Work Week''.
Whereas the importance of school social work is recognized in the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) and the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.)
through the inclusion of school social work programs and services in
such Acts;
Whereas school social workers are especially skilled in providing services to
students who face serious challenges to school success, including
disability, poverty, discrimination, abuse, neglect, mental illness,
homelessness, bullying, familial stressors, and other barriers to
learning;
Whereas school social workers are more necessary now than at any time in recent
memory, as more students are struggling with mental and behavioral
health disorders, with nearly 1 in 6 children from 2 to 8 years old
(17.4 percent) having a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental
disorder;
Whereas individuals who wish to access community mental health services often
find such services unavailable, inaccessible, or inadequate;
Whereas school social workers, being licensed mental health professionals in
schools in the United States, provide necessary assessment,
interventions, counseling, family outreach, and community referrals;
Whereas school mental health programs are critical to early identification and
intervention of mental health problems and in the provision of
appropriate mental health services when needed;
Whereas school social workers maintain knowledge of school culture and school
climate, which are necessary for responsible school safety planning;
Whereas fewer than 1 in 5 children in need of mental health services actually
receive these services, and research indicates that school mental health
programs improve educational outcomes by decreasing absences, dropout
rates, and discipline referrals, while improving academic achievement;
Whereas school social workers serve as vital members of a school's education
team, playing a central role in creating partnerships between the home,
school, and community to ensure student academic success; and
Whereas the celebration of ``School Social Work Week'' during the week beginning
March 2, 2025, highlights the vital role school social workers play in
the lives of students in the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the designation of ``School Social Work
Week'';
(2) honors and recognizes the contributions of school
social workers to the successes of students in schools across
the Nation; and
(3) encourages the people of the United States to observe
``School Social Work Week'' with appropriate ceremonies and
activities that promote awareness of the vital role of school
social workers, in schools and in the community as a whole, in
helping students prepare for their futures as productive
citizens.
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