ATWC - Social Workers in Schools

Social Workers in Schools

You may not have talked with Social Workers in Schools (SWIS) before; so we will give you a brief introduction on how we can assist your family.

SWIS is part of the Strengthening Families Initiative. In the Otahuhu and Royal Oak area our staff are employed by the Anglican Trust for Women and Children, ATWC, who work in partnership with local schools.

There are nine schools in Otahuhu and Royal Oak area that are part of this group, supporting five social workers.
We are all fully qualified social workers.

What is a Social Worker?

Social Workers are trained and qualified professionals. They have experience in working with families and children. We encourage people to work out their own solutions and provide a variety of options.

What can Social Workers in Schools do?

Work with an individual child or children and their families or
extended family.
Work with teachers, public health nurses and other school staff
Help children with bullying/teasing problems
Assist with housing/benefits
Offer parenting support
Discuss legal advice
Referral to a counsellor

How do you Get in Touch?

Social workers in Schools will be in the school most days but you will not necessarily bump into them. If you think that intervention from one of our SWIS team might be helpful you can call into the SWIS office or ask the school office staff to call their mobiles.

Their work involves visiting families at home and working with other agencies so they are not always on the school premises.

Social Workers can be contacted by cellphone. They will respond to messages left in the school office.

The work is child-centred and has a Family focus.

Social Work records are kept confidential and separate from other school records.

You are welcome to discuss situations with SWIS staff who can offer advice without a formal referral being necessary.