News

Support Legislation to Raise the Age of Being Tried as an Adult to 18

Currently, 17-year-olds are tried as adults in court in the state of Wisconsin.  WSSWA firmly believes 17-year-olds should be tried as juveniles due to the adolescent brain not being fully developed in the prefrontal cortex region (aka executive functioning), making it difficult to control impulsive decisions.  While more could be said about the brain not being fully developed until the age of 25, this is a start.  Make your voice be heard by signing on to support raising the age to 18 in the budget here: https://raisetheagewi.org/ 

This is a very important election which impacts SSWs directly, and the future of education for our students and families (and the future of our state). That is why we felt it was important for our organization to get involved by endorsing Jill Underly for State Superintendent. 

Dr. Underly has expressed a desire to consult with us as an organization on how to best support the profession, and is aligned with where we stand on the importance of mental health, equity, and funding.  Additionally, Dr. Underly opposes the expansion of vouchers for private schools, which is in agreement with the School Social Workers Association of America's position.

We are at a critical moment regarding decisions being made about public education and policies affecting the people we serve.  We are called upon by the Code of Ethics, which includes Standard 6.04 Social and Political Action, to take action. Talk to family and friends about the importance of voting in this election, and make a plan to vote for Jill Underly for state superintendent.

Your expertise is valuable! Consider showcasing your experience and knowledge by presenting to your peers at the 2021 Fall Conference in Oshkosh, November 18-19. Click here to submit proposal.  Theme: Supporting Resilience Toward Just and Equitable Schools.

Note: Workshop presenters and ONE co-presenter if applicable, will be offered a no-cost conference fee the day they present, if attending. If a presenter is attending both days, but presenting on only one, they will need to pay a one-day conference fee.

Any Powerpoint and handouts you would like to share with registrants MUST be sent to wisconsinssw@gmail.com by October 30th for registrants to access during the conference. WSSWA will NOT be printing hard copies. Deadline for proposal August 1st.

Apply for a Mini-Grant!

Do you have a unique and interesting idea to help students and families? 

We have mini-grants available to help you try a new initiative or innovative idea in through your school social work practice. Grant money should be used to directly impact or benefit students and/or family needs. Applicants may request any amount up to $500. See past recipient projects here.   Details here.

Complete on online application at 2020-2021 Mini-Grant Application

Submit proposals by May 15th, 2021

Nominate the 2021 School Social Worker of the Year!

Promote a colleague whom you feel is deserving of the SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR AWARD!  Celebrate a social worker who you think deserves this special recognition. Nomination form here.  On the form, please share how the nominee is exceptional in 2 of the 4 areas on the Wisconsin School Social Worker Evaluation Framework.  Read about past recipients in the awards section on our website.  Deadline: May 21st, 2021

March 7th-13th is School Social Work Week

In our role as advocates, it's important to advocate for ourselves as a valuable resource to our school and community.  A big part of that is educating staff, administrators, and community members about what we do!  It is also important to take time to celebrate each other and our accomplishments so that we have fuel to continue to do the work!  Here are some resources to educate and celebrate!

Promote your practice - Be visible, viable, and valuable

Ways to Celebrate - updated to reflect COVID-19 conditions

SSWAA role of school social worker - Scroll down to find downloadable 1-page handouts on why school social workers are needed, as well as infographics about our role.

Poster - share digitally or print!

Proclamation by the Governor

Proclamation by DPI - from the State Superintendent

Save the date for NASW Day of Advocacy on April 14th.  More info here.

WSSWA reached out to the candidates to respond to questions specific to school social work.  Read their responses below and make sure to vote in the primary by Feb. 16th!

In order to avoid overlap with Wisconsin School Counselors Association's conference, we have moved our fall conference to Nov. 17-19.  Save the date!

Since September 2020, the Speak Up, Speak Out (SUSO) Resource Center has received more than 1,000 tips and helped deploy mental health resources and welfare checks to multiple students. SUSO offers a 24/7 threat reporting system, threat assessment consultation, critical incident response, and general school safety guidance.

To add this 24/7 threat reporting system to your school, complete the following steps:

1. Submit contact information: To be forwarded any tips submitted regarding your school, the contact information for one recipient from your school must be submitted to the threat reporting system. Submit information here: https://speakup.widoj.gov/update-school-contact-information

2. Attend a webinar: Learn what SUSO is, what resources are available, how to access $500 to purchase promo materials, and a train-the-trainer course that reviews curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students. 

   • February 2, 1-2:30 p.m.

   • February 4, 10-11:30 a.m.

   • February 8, 1-2:30 p.m.

   • February 10, 9-10:30 a.m.

   • February 17, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

   • February 26, 9-10:30 a.m.

   • March 8, 1-2:30 p.m.

   • March 12, 10-11:30 a.m.

   • March 18, 9:30-11 a.m.

Watch this video to see how the SUSO threat reporting system works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWxqjhJXHmUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWxqjhJXHmU