While it is a substantial achievement that graduate schools have acknowledged the importance of content in this area, jobs in both the public and voluntary sector of school-related services are in jeopardy. Field placements increasingly are hard to come by, as experienced field instructors, compensating for staff losses, are pressed into direct service responsibilities. Limiting too is the lack of institutional consensus on the social work function in school-based practice. The social work profession can become more active in shaping a school system in crisis. Change is occurring at all levels - local, state and national.
Social workers know that neglect of the psyche, soul and stomach assures school failure.
Many educators know this too. We must continue to strive for inroads with key decision-makers on the need for social work and social services in schools and on what social workers can do to assist educational achievement. Together in coalition, we can make a difference if we try.