An exploration of the perceptions of pupils, parents and teachers with regard to the role of the school social worker

Literature research has indicated that school social work is a relatively new branch of general social work. The role of the school social worker is the main focus of literature in this field. The school social worker's role is continually changing and adapting as society and school systems change The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of the pupils, parents and teachers with regard to the school social worker's role within a particular school setting. The current awareness of the social worker's role and function, is examined in as far as it affects the effective use of the social work service. A literature survey was undertaken, after which a close-ended questionnaire was constructed and administered to all pupils and all teachers, and a close-ended questionnaire mailed to all parents of the particular school. A descriptive analysis of the findings reveals that clarification is needed amongst pupils, teachers and parents in terms of the purpose, function and roles of the school social worker, and of the methods of social work employed. A disparity is reflected with regard to the issue of confidentiality, where the findings indicated that pupils are more concerned with confidentiality issues than the parents and teachers. The main recommendations made are with regard to compiling a booklet clarifying the roles and functions of the mental health professionals in the school. A policy with regard to confidentiality is recommended.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Social Development

Year dc:date.issued

1987

Author dc:creator

• Lanesman, Beverley

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mackintosh, Ian

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/14277

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/14277