Our school social workers play a critical role in fostering a safe, supportive and inclusive school environment. They are continuously networking with new community agencies and building partnerships to better serve their community. In schools, they have created clothing and hygiene closets as well as food pantries, providing necessities for students. Through individualized brief counseling, crisis intervention, family engagement and attendance interventions, our school social workers have improved student mental health, reduced absenteeism and contributed to an overall increase in academic achievement. They also bridge the gap between the school and the community by connecting families to essential local resources, such as food assistance, housing support and mental health services, ensuring that students' basic needs are met so they can thrive academically and personally. Our social workers empower students and families to overcome personal challenges, equip them with coping strategies and create a foundation for long-term success in school and beyond.

In 2024, Tuscaloosa's One Place school social workers...​

• served more than 6,000 students,

• contacted more than 6,000 parents,

• made 1,328 outside referrals, 

• made 346 home visits,

• assisted with 831 crisis interventions, and

• made 166 DHR reports.