SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE Revised on Nov 2014 Briefing session

School Social Work: What's it REALLY Like? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S_IrBjOjtg (3 mins)

3S’s Service School Self

History of School Social Work Service 1907 firstly found in USA 1971 Pilot program in Hong Kong Recognition of the significant role of School social work Start the school social work service in secondary schools - 1 worker to 4 schools 1996 1 worker to 2 schools 1 worker to 1 school 2002/03 Comprehensive Student Guidance Service for primary schools funded by EB (previously ED)

Objectives of SSW Service To help students at risk (academic, social and emotional) To develop students potential and healthy development

Counsellor – case and group Consultant for teachers and schools Role of SSW 4Cs Counsellor – case and group Consultant for teachers and schools Coordinator – agency and community resources Community – relationship and resource networking

Students (mainly) Parents Teachers School system community Serving Targets Students (mainly) Parents Teachers School system community

Coordination of Community Resources Work Nature 。 Casework Groupwork and Project Enquiries Coordination of Community Resources

Case categories (Secondary School) Related to schooling Developmental adjustment Emotional/mental health Family Behavioral problems Sex-related issues Peer relationship Others 1.

Primary school case categories Learning problems Behavioral problems Family and its related environment Emotion/psychological problems Health and Physical problems Social/developmental problems

Types of Programs Counselling/therapeutic groups Developmental groups Talks/workshops Community services Visits/picnics/camping Exhibitions Publications Slide show/Film Competition Others

Secondary School As at 1 September 2013, 34 NGOs operate stationing school social work service for 470 secondary day schools over the territory. Two modes of service operation: Independent School Social Work Unit Account for 70% of the service Serving different areas of schools in Hong Kong Integrated Team (IT) Account for 30% of the service Serving 2-3 secondary schools in the designated areas near the location of Integrated Team. Closely collaborated with the IT of the same agency

Accountable to the school principal Primary school Before 2002, 1 school(with 1680 students) will have 1 full time SGO/SGT performed by the teachers undergoing counselling training. Comprehensive Student Guidance Service for primary schools issued in the 2002/03 school year which is funded by EB. Accountable to the school principal

Difference between Primary and Secondary School Social Work Service School Social Worker Funded by Social Welfare Department Employed by NGOs Secondary School Student Guidance Teacher/Officer Funded by Education Bureau Employed by Schools directly or via annual bidding of service provision from NGOs. unstable service provision Primary School

SCHOOL SYSTEM WORKING PARTIES: counseling team discipline team career guidance team extracurricular activity parent teacher association education psychologist. clinical psychologist clerical /supportive staff others

SCHOOL SYSTEM RELATED PROJECTS: UAP (UNDERSTANDING THE ADOLESCENT PROJECT) PATHS (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social programs /from 2006) WSA(WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH) OTHERS OTHER LOGISTIC ISSUES school calendar time table working hours/ lunch outing office interview community resources others

SELF decent dressing neat hairstyle no/few ornaments only attitude OUTER SELF decent dressing neat hairstyle no/few ornaments only attitude language others

SELF physical strength Stress and anxiety INNER SELF physical strength Stress and anxiety feelings towards various stakeholders, teaching staff, parents… confidence, reliable, professional image others

Placement Student requirements in School Setting Independent and able to work alone. Initiative and active Able to get along with different stakeholders in schools such as principal, panel heads, teachers, parents, janitors etc. Must work in day time in weekdays, with some irregular sessions during weekends.

CURRENT Challenges 1.Diversity in serving targets: Inclusive Education -- Special Education Needs (SEN) visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical disability, intellectual disability, Autistic Dyslexics

Current Challenges Non-Chinese Speaking Ethnic Minorities Group Students having Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Students having Emotional and Behavioral Problems New Arrivals

Current Challenges 2. Emergence of new issues and increase complexity of problems Family problems single parent families, cross- border families, trans-generational parenting etc. Bullying Internet/drug addiction suicide Premarital sex, compensated dating LGBT poverty

Current Challenges 3. Changes in the Education Systems Primary/Secondary School Places Allocation DSE assessment University Entrance requirements Vocational Education Various career paths

Knowledge Preparation Knowledge and ways to handle the SEN , ADHD, Autistic and other emotional problems. Understanding of multi-cultural people and their difficulties in study. Understanding about the influence of family towards child and adolescent development. Life span development about children, adolescents and parents. Understanding the cause and intervention of school bullying. Knowledge in handling crisis such as suicide, child abuse case etc. Updated information about current changes of education system and the effects on the students and teachers.

SETTING Coordinator Miss Joanne LO (39172070) CJT 5.55

Q& A THANKS