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.