Important things are happening in Arizona. Recently, Governor Ducey presented a state budget that includes projected funding for more school-based mental health care. The language within the budget specifically names both School Social Workers and School Counselors as the best prepared to meet the ever-increasing social and emotional needs of Arizona students. Additionally, there is a team of folks across the state advocating for better school safety and climate that is prevention-focused and looking to see that funding increase even higher. Our SSWAAZ President, Emily Phares, will be meeting with this ad hoc committee in April to ensure that the voices of School Social Workers are heard loud and clear.
We recently learned of a new bill introduced by Rep. Pawlik of District 17. HB 2562 seeks to increase funding for school-based mental health services for Arizona students. However, the scope of the current draft is specific and limited to certified School Counselors. SSWAAZ is currently in conversation with Rep. Pawlik asking her to addend the bill to include certified School Social Workers. We highly encourage all of you as Social Workers and voters to reach out to her, other co-authors of the bill, or your local Representative and advocate for this change as well. School Social Workers have significant training and skills to meet the needs of today’s at-risk youth and all students would benefit from an increased presence of both School Social Workers and Counselors working in tandem to provide both prevention and intervention services as this proposed bill outlines.
If you or a colleague are passionate about this or other legislative issues impacting our schools, consider becoming the SSWAAZ Legislative Committee Chair. For more information, please reach out to any current Board Member. We are excited to see School Social Workers more readily included in conversations around the state with decision-makers and stakeholders. Let’s keep the trend of finding a seat at the table when it comes to matters of education and mental health!
To easily contact your local representative, feel free to use our letter format below (copy and paste):
Ms. Pawlik (Or other representative),
My name is ________. I am a voting resident of _____and an employee of __________. I am writing about HB 2562, which you have brought forward for legislative consideration. I am full in support of increasing the presence of school-based mental health services and supports for Arizona students. However, I am concerned at the extraordinarily narrow scope of this particular bill. I am writing to request that HB 2562 be expanded to include certified School Social Workers. School Social Workers have significant training in providing mental health supports to the students they support and are equally if not more equipped to address the shortcomings that this bill is designed to target.
I would welcome the opportunity to have a dialogue with you and your fellow authors regarding this bill and School Social Work in general. Please feel free to contact me by email_______ or call me at __________. I very much look forward to hearing back from you. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
_________