Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning March 2, 2025, as "School Social Work Week".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 196
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-05: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-21T19:44:15Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 196) aims to express congressional support for designating the week beginning March 2, 2025, as "School Social Work Week." It recognizes the critical role of school social workers in supporting student success, particularly in addressing mental health and social challenges.
Key Provisions
- Background and Rationale: The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses highlighting:
- The recognition of school social work in federal laws like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (which funds K-12 education programs) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (which ensures education for students with disabilities).
- The expertise of school social workers in helping students facing barriers such as disability, poverty, discrimination, abuse, neglect, mental illness, homelessness, bullying, family issues, and other obstacles to learning.
- The growing need for these services amid rising mental health issues (e.g., nearly 1 in 6 children aged 2-8 have a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder) and limited access to community mental health care.
- The role of school social workers as licensed professionals who provide assessments, interventions, counseling, family outreach, and community referrals.
- Their contributions to early mental health intervention, school safety planning, and improving educational outcomes (e.g., reducing absences, dropouts, and discipline issues while boosting academic achievement).
- Their importance in fostering partnerships between homes, schools, and communities.
- Actions by the House:
- Supports the designation of "School Social Work Week."
- Honors the contributions of school social workers to student success nationwide.
- Encourages Americans to observe the week with ceremonies and activities to raise awareness of school social workers' roles in schools and communities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It serves as a symbolic expression of support rather than enacting new policies or requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May indirectly encourage federal education agencies (e.g., the Department of Education) to highlight school social work in funding or programs, but has no mandatory effect.
- On Citizens: Increases public awareness of mental health challenges in schools, potentially leading to greater community support for school-based services and improved access for students in need.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as it focuses on domestic education and mental health.
- Overall, it could promote broader investment in school mental health resources, benefiting students' well-being and academic performance without creating enforceable obligations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- School Social Workers: Directly honored, with potential for increased recognition and professional morale.
- Students and Families: Benefit from emphasized support for those facing social, emotional, or mental health barriers.
- Schools and Educators: Highlighted as partners in mental health and safety efforts, potentially aiding in resource allocation.
- Communities and Mental Health Advocates: Encouraged to participate in awareness activities, fostering stronger home-school-community ties.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force and does not amend statutes or require action; it aligns with existing federal education laws without altering them.
- Constitutional: No significant implications, as it falls under Congress's broad authority to express support for public awareness initiatives (e.g., via the Speech or Debate Clause protections for legislative statements).
- Political: Symbolically bipartisan (introduced by representatives from different parties), it underscores growing national focus on youth mental health post-pandemic, potentially influencing future funding debates in education and health policy without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-05: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-03-05: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning March 2, 2025, as "School Social Work Week". — issued 2025-03-05 — PDF (3 pages)