West Virginia House Bill HB3373

West Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/23
• Refer: 2/13/23

Caption

To recognize school social workers as having the same status and funding as school counselors

Impact

If enacted, HB 3373 would lead to the establishment of a structured mechanism for leveraging social work expertise within schools. By ensuring that each school has designated social workers, the bill seeks to create more comprehensive support for students facing various challenges, whether they are social, emotional, or related to health. This approach aligns the responsibilities of social workers more closely with the overall goals of student welfare and educational success, potentially altering how school resources are allocated and used to address issues affecting attendance and performance.

Summary

House Bill 3373 aims to enhance the support system for students in West Virginia by designating licensed social workers as 'Student Services Workers' within elementary, middle, and junior high schools. These social workers are tasked with assisting teachers and school staff by providing preventive or early intervention social services to improve student attendance and performance, as well as addressing the health and well-being of students at home. This initiative represents an effort to formalize the role of social workers in education and promote better outcomes for students through dedicated support.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3373 seems to be generally positive, particularly among educators and advocates for student welfare. Supporters view the bill as a significant step forward in recognizing the importance of social work in the academic environment and enhancing the network of support available to students. However, there may be challenges regarding funding and resources necessary to implement this initiative effectively, which could be points of concern among stakeholders.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HB 3373 could be the delineation of duties between social workers and other educational staff, such as school counselors. While the bill outlines specific roles and responsibilities for the Student Services Workers, concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and resources to support these additional personnel might arise. Additionally, the measure must ensure that these social workers have the required training and support to operate effectively within the school system while respecting existing frameworks for student welfare and education.