School social work is professionally conducted social work in a school and with the people who learn and work there. It is an independent field of action of child and youth welfare that cooperates closely with schools. The aim is to accompany children and young people in the process of growing up, to support them in coping with life in a way that is satisfactory for them, and to promote their abilities to solve personal and/or social problems. To this end, social work methods and principles are adapted to the school system. The network of school social work follows a positive trend and becomes denser from year to year. Kinderfreunde Carinthia currently offers school social work in all Carinthian districts. The comprehensive expansion to implement the offer at as many schools as possible will continue to be strived for.
School Social Work
Official Name of Signatory
Delegation
Europe
Website of the Signatory
Name of the person presenting the Good Practice
Christine Gaschler-Andreasch
Position/Job Title of person presenting the Good Practice
Head of sub-department
Aim of the Good Practice
1. Promoting a successful, holistic approach to social, societal, and school challenges. 2. Strengthening the participation opportunities of children and young people 3. Reduction of disadvantages 4. Improving the social climate at school 5. Promoting autonomy and co-determination of children and young people.
Target Group of the Good Practice
The primary target group of school social work is pupils. In addition, parents and guardians, teachers, head teachers and cooperation partners are important target groups.
Implementation period
2008 to current
Consistency over time
Ongoing expansion due to increasing inquiries and reports of need, high level of satisfaction.
Evaluation of the Good Practice
Two external evaluations (2008 and 2019/20) have taken place since the establishment of school social work. In addition, a quality manual was developed in 2022. The surveys show that school social workers are perceived as neutral contact persons, which is why personal and confidential issues are also shared with them. More Information in the extra Document!
Key stakeholders and partnerships
Kinderfreunde Kärnten (sponsor); Directorate of Education; All schools where school social work is implemented.
Link for more information
Future Goal 1
Increase resources according to budgetary possibilities in order to provide as many schools as possible with the offer.