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An important component for the school community is counseling and community outreach. An African proverb says, "It takes an entire village to raise a child". In keeping with that saying, "It takes an entire community to educate a child". The school social worker has the expertise and knowledge to create the necessary community linkage.
The social worker should complete a psychosocial assessment on each child. The assessment must recognize that the activities, functions and behaviors of a child includes two major dimensions:
- Internal Dimensions - feelings, attitudes, thoughts, fantasies, memory, judgment, values and self image
- Social Dimensions - relationships with the environment, people and circumstances surrounding the child
Specific Areas to Assess:
- Family/significant others - Identify key individuals in the child's/young adult's life and the dynamics within the family structure, how parents and siblings relate to each other, ways in which affection is given and received among family members, etc.
- Traumatic/significant life events - i.e. household move, divorce, separation from friends, death of a relative or pet, death of another patient being treated at the center.
- General personality and behavior - mood, affect, attitude, responsiveness, and morale.
- Physical appearance - dress, cleanliness, and neatness.
- Social activities - hobbies and interests.
- Education - learning ability and attitude toward school.
- Family background - socio/economic status.
- Sex - orientation, activity, and awareness.
- Awareness and understanding of illness - fears and questions.
- Health care costs
Other Areas to Address:
- Resource development.
- Community outreach - Referrals.
- Family conferences.
- Education groups - child and family.
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