School Social Workers in India: Ignored but Crucial Professionals

Social work has ample scope in education settings. School social workers are one of the many professionals who facilitate the education process so that the students gain maximum benefits from their schooling. As professionals working closely with children and their families, social workers play a valuable role in ensuring children’s well-being. The present paper highlights the significance of school social work in the country. Using case studies, the paper reflects the critical role played by school social workers in resolving varied range of crisis situations faced by children that hamper their learning. In contrast cases from those schools where social workers are not appointed, have been presented so as to vividly illustrate the roles of social workers. Findings show the role of school social workers in helping students improve their academic achievements and social, emotional and behavioural competence.