School Social Work Services

School social workers are trained professionals that function as a link between the home, school, and community to empower students to learn as effectively as possible in their educational programs. This is done through assessment, collaboration with school staff and community providers, and through the provision of direct services.

Any student attending a DeKalb County school is eligible for social work services. To obtain the assistance of the school social worker, a written referral can be made by lead teachers, counselors, assistant principals, and principals.

School social workers strengthen students’ learning opportunities, achievements, and socio-emotional functioning by providing the following services:
  • Providing casework services to students and families facing adversity
  • Facilitating individual and group support sessions
  • Serving as mandated reporters for cases of suspected child abuse and/or neglect
  • Responding to cases of suicidal ideation
  • Serving as members of the district crisis team
  • Upholding the Georgia Compulsory School Attendance Law through filing complaints with DeKalb Juvenile Court and submitting referrals to the Solicitor General’s Office
  • Providing services to children experiencing foster care placement, homelessness or migratory living arrangements
  • Make recommendations to teachers, administrators and parents regarding school related concerns
  • Interpreting school policies and procedures which impact student performance
  • Serving on County and District committees to address child welfare matters, including: attendance, foster care, discipline, homelessness, social emotional learning and other issues impacting children and youth
  • Identifying community resources for children and families

  • Youth Mental Health First Aid
  • Connections Matter
  • Darkness to Light Sexual Abuse Prevention Training
  • Department of Family and Children Services Mandated Reporter Training
  • School Social Work In-service for all school staff
  • Child Abuse In-service for all district volunteers
  • Restorative Practices
If you would like for your student to attend a GRIP or POINTS session, please contact your child’s school administrator. Please note that parents or a designated guardian is responsible for remaining with the student for the duration of the course.

The DCSD McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth program is designed to address the problems that homeless children and youth face with enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. The DCSD Homeless Education Program (Title IX, A) helps children and youth residing in temporary housing situations to ensure educational stability. Children and youth experiencing homelessness face unique barriers to accessing and succeeding in school. The McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.) establishes the definition of homeless used by public schools and the educational rights to which homeless children and youth are entitled. Under the McKinney-Vento Act, the term “homeless children and youths” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

The DCSD Homeless Education Liaisons removes barriers for homeless children and youth to ensure access to education and academic challenges and student achievement standards to which all students are held throughout the district.

The DCSD Homeless Education Liaisons assist homeless children and youth by:

  • facilitating the identification of homeless students;
  • ensuring that homeless students are immediately enrolled;
  • resolving disputes between the school and legal guardians or caregiver,
  • coordinating school transportation services,
  • assistance with school supplies and school uniforms,
  • assistance with credit recovery classes,
  • assistance with senior dues such as graduation cap, gown, and diploma fees,
  • assistance with school required immunizations and vision, hearing, and dental screenings,
  • providing linkage to local community resources to assist with housing needs.

Contact Information

  • School Social Work Department
    DCSD Homeless Education Program
  • 678.676.1804
  • 678.676.2012

A system-wide intervention program for students who violate certain drug-related policies. Students are referred by local administrators or Student Relations. Classes are held on a scheduled Saturday, and students are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Contact Information

The Sources of Strength program is a comprehensive, evidence-based initiative designed to promote mental health and resilience among young people. Here are some key components and objectives of the program:

Key Components
  1. Peer Leadership
  2. Strength-Based Approach
  3. Eight Protective Factors
  4. Training and Workshops
  5. Community Involvement

Contact Information

Who Are We
The DCSD S.A.F.E. Centers collaborate with school services and community partnerships to equip our students academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally to be better scholars and productive citizens.

What We Do
The DCSD S.A.F.E Centers provide wraparound services through community partnerships to support students’ immediate needs in their school, home, and community. These services include future planning and success, social and emotional wellness, and family support services.

Contact Information
SAFE Center at Cross Keys HS
Yazmin Acevedo-Mendez
Social Worker Liaison
470-962-8545

SAFE Center at Martin Luther King, Jr. HS
Naomi Hemphill
Social Worker Liaison
678-984-1834

SAFE Center at McNair HS
Chamika Allen
Social Worker Liaison
470-962-8274

SAFE Center at Redan HS s
Juan Moore
Social Worker Liaison
678-676-3715

SAFE Center at Stone Mountain HS
Tameica Williams
Social Worker Liaison
404-391-2521

SAFE Center at Towers HS
Lashawn Jones
Social Worker Liaison
678-874-2270

Shelly K. Bishop, MSW
Coordinator
678-676-2009

Denise Revels
Director, Wrap Around and Support Services
678-676-2011

The links below are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. They do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the School Social Work Department or the DeKalb County School District of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation, organization, or individual. The School Social Work Department or DeKalb County School District bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

  • School Social Work Department
    DCSD Homeless Education Program
  • 678.676.1804
  • 678.676.2012

  • East DeKalb Campus
    5871 Memorial Drive
    Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  • 678.676.1804