FAQs
Social Services Q&A
Q: What is the difference between a Mandated Reporter and a Designated Reporter on the Suspected Child Abuse referral?
A: All Burke County Public School employees are Mandated Reporters. However, each school or department has a Designated Reporter who reports the referral to the Department of Family & Children Services.
Q: Should all suspected child abuse be reported to the school counselor?
A: Yes.
Q: When the school nurse contacts a parent/guardian about a student's illness and there is no response, does that constitute a School Social Worker Referral?
A: Yes.
Q: If parents/guardians fail to provide their children with prescription glasses, does that constitute a School Social Worker Referral?
A: Yes, it does constitute a referral if they have the necessary resources to provide the glasses but fail to provide them. However, if the resources are limited, we will assist the family.
Q: How should a teacher address a student's hygiene issues?
A: If the student's hygiene (clothing or body odor) is a continuous problem, please make a School Social Worker Referral.
Q: Will the teachers be notified of the outcome of a School Social Worker referral?
A: School protocol mandates that the outcome be reported to the school counselor. However, if you would like to receive a response via e-mail, complete your full name on the referral form adjacent to item number three.
Q: When does the teacher make a School Social Worker Referral for excessive absences?
A: When a student accumulates six unexcused absences, the counselor should refer the matter to the School Social Worker. However, if a student is absent for three or more consecutive unexcused days, the counselor can refer the matter to the School Social Worker. If the parent/guardian has submitted appropriate written documentation for the absences, a referral is not necessary.
Q: When should a School Social Worker Referral be sent to the Social Work Department?
A: When ALL interventions have been exhausted by the school to alleviate the problem.
Q: If a student is failing and the parent refuses to sign the Parental
Consent for Evaluation for Special Education Services, is this considered child abuse?
A: No.
Q: How does the School Department of Social Services assist families who have social barriers and/or financial hardships?
A: The Department assists and/or refers the family to community agencies.
Q: Is it negligence if the student refuses to wear prescription glasses?
A: No.
Q: How should I help a student who has signs of depression?
A: Refer the student to the school counselor.
Q: How should we handle students who are habitually tardy?
A: Follow the School Attendance Protocol.
Q: What is the procedure for Hospital/Homebound Services?
A: Direct all questions to the Social Work Department at the Central Office.