SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 21
(By Senators Barnes, Stollings, Wells, Bailey, Jenkins, Foster
and Hunter)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
feasibility of utilizing social work services as a tool to
enhance safety in West Virginia's public schools.
Whereas, The need for social workers in our public schools
exists due to the increasing number of disruptive and aggressive
students; and
Whereas, The goal for all public schools is to facilitate
learning in an environment that is free from disruption and
dangerous situations and provide a safe school for both students
and faculty; and
Whereas, This goal might be better achieved through using the
resources available from licensed social workers whose training and
expertise in identifying potential problem students and averting
possible crises would prove invaluable; and
Whereas, Licensed social workers could promote safety by
enhancing communication between the home and school environments
and by assisting in the identification and remediation of student
issues before they reach a critical stage; and
Whereas, Licensed social workers would enhance the ability of
teachers to educate students by providing assistance with children who consume teachers' attention because of special social,
emotional, behavioral or mental health needs, but who do not
qualify for special education services; and
Whereas, Licensed social workers could advocate for students
and their families by helping them to identify their needs and
linking them to resources in both the school system and the
community; and
Whereas, Social work services would encourage students in need
to receive community services by maintaining contact with families
and community resources to promote consistent participation and
communication of needs; and
Whereas, Principals, teachers, counselors, families, social
workers and other community providers would make a formidable team
in the effort to ensure that West Virginia's public schools are
safe and productive places for our children to learn; therefore, be
it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the feasibility of utilizing social work
services as a tool to enhance safety in West Virginia public
schools; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance is hereby requested to determine the benefits and costs of
placing licensed social workers in public schools; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2009, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.