School social workers play an important role in the school team, aiming to promote positive attendance for all students. Research has demonstrated that consistent school attendance is linked to improved academic performance and increased opportunities.

Hillsborough County Public Schools has established policies and procedures to encourage regular attendance, with a target of 96% for all students. The district employs a multi-tiered system of support to identify students who are developing a pattern of non-attendance early on, as this can lead to a higher risk of dropping out and other negative behaviors.

When a pattern of non-attendance persists, students may be referred for social work services. Using the Multi-Tiered System Support (MTSS)/Response to Intervention (RtI) model, school social workers collaborate with students, families, and educators to identify needs and reduce barriers to school attendance. Working in partnership with families, the school social worker develops written attendance remediation plans for all students requiring this level of support. This process may involve making referrals and coordinating services with community agencies.

A small number of students may require intensive interventions, such as the Attendance Review Board, Truancy Court, or Children in Need of Services/Family in Need of Services (CINS/FINS) Case Staffing Committee. These resources are available to help students and families when previous efforts to address non-attendance have not been successful.

Bilingual school social workers work alongside bilingual school psychologists to provide support to students and families with limited English proficiency. Their responsibilities include:

• Evaluating LEP students who are being considered for Exceptional Student Services.
• Connecting students and families with community resources.
• Acting as a bridge between the school and the family.
• Collaborating with school-based social workers to address attendance issues among identified LEP students. This involves developing an Attendance Remediation Plan to tackle the factors affecting the student's regular school attendance.

The Bilingual Social Workers team has compiled a list of useful community and school district web links that offer information on resources for the Hispanic population.

Bilingual Community Resources

• 2-1-1 Tampa Bay
• Bay Area Legal Services
• Catholic Charities
• Family Support & Resource Center
• Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services
• Hillsborough County, Florida
• Hispanic Services Council
• Judeo Christian Health Care
• Red Crescent Clinic
• Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA)
• Suncoast Community Health Centers
• The Spring

Please consult with your School Social Worker about community resources and the resource maps specific to your child’s school.

The following websites are comprehensive community resources that may help meet the needs of students and families:

• Florida KidCare
• Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
• Children's Board of Hillsborough County
• Hillsborough County
• Mental Health Matters

The Homeless Education and Literacy Program (H.E.L.P.) of Hillsborough County Public Schools is dedicated to supporting the educational needs of students eligible under the McKinney Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act. The H.E.L.P. office, part of School Social Work Services, includes the District Homeless Liaison, school social workers, counselors, parent liaisons, and a quality assurance analyst. The program collaborates with schools to ensure compliance with guidelines and provide educational stability for students.

Visit the H.E.L.P. Team website for more information and resources>>