Article #16 in a Series >>>>> Departments and Offices of the Minneapolis Public Schools >>>>> Department of Social Work

As I complete the advanced final draft of my new book, Understanding the Minneapolis Public Schools:  Current Condition, Future Prospect, I am conducting a final review for updating mission statements and staff composition.  I have in the last days and weeks listed and made comments on many offices and departments, with an emphasis on staff members and effectiveness.  In the current series of articles I will be emphasizing departmental function and mission statements, but I will give staff listing updates as I deem useful to my readers and will give staff composition in cases for which I have not previously done so.

 

The MPS Department of Social Work posts social workers in each of the district’s schools, with two staff members at the Davis Center (MPS central offices, 1250 West Broadway), with contact information as follows:

 

Cathy Dalnes, Lead Social Worker

Phone:  612-668-5436

 

Vanessa Whitehead, Clerical Support

Phone 612-668-0863

 

Social Work Department  FAX:  612-668-5446

 

 

Information on the MPS Department of Social Work as presented on the pertinent portal of the MPS website is as follows:

 

MPS Department of Social Work

 

Mission and Vision of the Social Work Department of Minneapolis Public Schools

 

Mission: We exist to help students reach their full potential. We collaborate with families, staff and community to provide direct service to students and develop school systems that further the social, emotional and academic growth of students.

Vision: Every student mentally, physically and emotionally secure; actively learning and engaged in their education.

Values: 1. Right to a quality education 2. Integrity 3. Equity 4. Social Justice 5. Competence 5. Dignity and Worth of Each Person 6. Service 7. Importance of Human Relationships

Our Promise: Minneapolis Public Schools Social Work Department promises to provide social work services to support academic success, mental health and equity for all students.

Our Strategies: Leadership, Intervention and Advocacy to support: student mental health, equity, social/emotional learning, family engagement, staff and administration, student attendance, community partner collaboration, crisis intervention, and a continuum of services for students with unique needs.

 

Characteristics of Students:

All students enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools may receive social work services. Typically, students served are experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, attendance or other adjustment concerns that interfere with their achievement. In addition, all students birth to age 21 who are identified as students needing special education are eligible for social work services.

Service Delivery Model:

School social workers work with parents, students and school staff to identify student needs that interfere with learning in order to support the students directly, make appropriate referrals to regular and special education services, and help the student and family connect with community resources. Social workers work with general and special education students and families to resolve social, emotional and behavioral problems through assessment, consultation with school staff and community providers, through development and implementation of behavior management plans, and providing indirect and direct service. Social workers support students and families experiencing crisis; advocate for students and parents during educational planning observing procedural safeguards for parents; monitor and intervene with students exhibiting chronic attendance problems. They lead the Student Support Team, participate in the multidisciplinary evaluation to determine eligibility for special education, and identify needs and may provide case management, direct or indirect service.

Locations:

Social work services are available at all Minneapolis Public Schools.

Placement:

Students may contact the social worker directly, or may be referred by parents/guardians or staff members.

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There is a school social worker in each of the Minneapolis Public Schools. All students are eligible to receive our services. We work with parents, students, staff and community agencies to identify student needs that interfere with learning in order to support students in the educational environment.

Please contact your school social worker if you have questions or would like to talk about any of the following:

• School Attendance
• Community Resources
• Assistance with basic needs (clothing, food)
• Concerns about your student’s learning
• Behavioral support/intervention ideas
• Special Education/Disability Services
• Special Education Transportation
• Safety issues/concerns
• Social/Emotional/Mental Health Needs
• Social Skills Development
• Peer Relationships/Friendships
• Family events or changes that may be affecting your child
• Homeless and Highly Mobile Status/Resources

We are happy to support you and your child in their school success!