Welcome to School Social Services / Dropout Prevention

Guilford County Schools (GCS) employs school social workers to provide a link between homes, schools and communities. School social workers are uniquely qualified to provide a variety of direct and indirect ways to assist students and families. School social workers promote and support educational goals. School social workers are professionally trained and licensed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. They serve in elementary, middle and high schools in GCS.

School social workers can help in a variety of situations where students may experience social, behavioral, cultural, medical, emotional, physical, legal or psychological difficulties. Social workers are to maintain privacy and confidentiality.

Services to the schools may include:

  • Assessing student needs
  • Assisting in the identification of students with special needs
  • Coordinating services for families and students
  • Helping students develop appropriate social skills and improved self concept
  • Helping to identify a student’s strengths
  • Identifying and resolving barriers to education  
  • Intervening in situations involving family dysfunction
  • Meeting with students individually and in groups
  • Networking with community agencies and identifying resources
  • Participating on intervention teams
  • Providing consultation and program coordination
  • Providing outreach to parents
  • Providing problem solving and conflict resolution
  • Providing staff development
  • Serving as an advocate for the child’s educational needs

Referred Students May Include Those Who Have A Problem With:

  • Absenteeism/truancy
  • Academic achievement
  • Child Abuse/Neglect
  • Economic deprivation
  • Family dysfunction
  • Family Violence
  • Inadequate health care
  • Inappropriate or life-threatening behaviors
  • Lack of understanding of school policies and procedures
  • Substance abuse

Referral Information:

School staff may make referrals by completing a School Social Services Referral Form, which is available at the school. For information call (336) 370-2329 or call your school office.

School Social Work Brochure (Power Point Presentation)