SWiS Primary and intermediate schools
"They helped me to get on better with other people like my mum and my brother." SWiS primary school student
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The Social Workers in Schools (SWiS) programme works with the child and their families and whānau within the school community. We want kids to be happy and successful at school and at home. They focus on what's positive about a child and their family.
SWiS will only work with children if they have the agreement of their family and whānau - and hopefully their involvement.
SWiS social workers help students in every aspect of their lives. Sometimes this means working with families to make sure things are going well at home; like making sure children are well-fed, have healthy habits, are encouraged to achive their potential and home is a safe, loving place.
When a child lives a fulfilled life, it's easier for them to succeed in school. We want children to be confident, happy, self-assured and successful.
Social work in a school environment
SWiS works in schools because that's where children go to focus on their positive development. A school can help a child develop in all areas of their life, not just their education.
School staff know students individually, and can often tell if something's wrong. Teachers, principals and other school staff members can step in and help if a child is struggling. Having a social worker in the school is a great way to bring these relationships together.
Social workers and children
In order to work most effectively with the child, SWiS partners with the school, family, whānau and community. The social worker talks to the child, the family and whānau to determine with them what will help the child and family most.
SWiS can work with:
The child: The social worker will help the child find their strengths and may encourage them in practical ways, like helping them join a social group at school.
The school: The social worker can run all sorts of programmes within the school that helps children with things like behaviour, and develop their strengths.
The family and whānau: The social worker can work with the family to support the child’s schooling, health and well-being at home.
Community groups: The social worker may refer families with their permission, to the best services that will help with any needs, like a gambling helpline or help with drug and alcohol problems.
Referring a child to SWiS
We can help the families of all children who attend a school with the SWiS service.
If you know a child or family who could benefit from our service, and they have the SWiS programme at their school, tell them about how it can help. Download and print the SWiS brochure for them, and encourage them to contact someone at SWiS.
