How is a home and school visitor different from a school social worker?
There are similarities in the two roles. Both are trained and become involved in family assessment, intervention with families in distress, court liaison work, participation in judicial processes involving children, and enforcement of school district, state and federal policies. However, the differences are important. School districts are the entities that set parameters for the H&SV’s duties and responsibilities. They may in fact involve H&SVs almost exclusively in the enforcement of local and federal policies; whereas, school social workers are likely to be involved in supporting children, families, and home and school relationships. Furthermore, for a school district to qualify for funding under some federal guidelines, the presence of the H&SV is mandatory.
