2023 Senate Resolution 18

Whereas, School social workers serve as vital members of the education team, playing a central role in creating a positive environment in schools; and

Whereas, Social workers in schools are exceptionally 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; and

Whereas, School-based mental health programs are critical to the early identification and intervention of mental health problems by providing the appropriate services; and

Whereas, School social workers, who are licensed mental health professionals in the United States, provide the necessary assessment, interventions, counseling, family outreach, community referrals, and also maintain knowledge of school culture and climate, which are all necessary for responsible school safety planning; and

Whereas, Research indicates that school-based mental health programs led by school social workers improve educational outcomes by decreasing absences, dropout rates, and discipline referrals, while also improving academic achievement; and

Whereas, Social workers in schools play a pivotal role in creating partnerships between the home, school, and community to ensure academic success; and

Whereas, School districts and local educational agencies should continue to work with school social workers to address students’ social, emotional, physical, mental health, and environmental needs so that students can succeed; and

Whereas, The celebration of School Social Work Week on March 5-11, 2023 highlights the important role school social workers play in the lives of students in Michigan; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the members of this legislative body recognize March 5-11, 2023, as School Social Work Week; and be it further

Resolved, That we honor and recognize the contributions of school social workers to the successes of students; and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage the people of Michigan to observe School Social Work Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities to promote awareness about the vital role of school social workers, both in schools and communities as a whole, in helping students prepare for their futures as productive citizens.