Preface

The State of Connecticut school social work guidelines, Promoting the Social-Emotional Competencies of Students: Linking Families, Schools and Communities, are the 2013 revision of the school social work guidelines published in 1989. As a testimony to the relevance and flexibility of school social work services in adapting to changing times, this document reflects the evolution of practice for supporting student success. This document is the result of collaboration between the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE); the Connecticut Association of School Social Workers Inc. (CASSW); Southern Connecticut State University, Department of Social Work; University of Connecticut, School of Social Work; and school social workers from urban, suburban and rural Connecticut school districts.

Purpose

These guidelines have been developed to:

1. Ensure high-quality professional services and sound practices. 
2. Assist school districts in developing, improving and directing school social work services. 
3. Provide assistance school administrators and boards of education that are establishing new school social work programs. 
4. Provide a basis for evaluation of school social work services by school districts. 
5. Provide pupil personnel services staff with information to guide them in coordinating school social work services with those of other disciplines.

These guidelines are offered as a resource for professionals who are developing and implementing appropriate school social work services for Connecticut's students.