Social work services are provided to students, families, and caregivers through the development and delivery of a continuum of comprehensive mental health services. As social workers, we subscribe to and follow the guidelines and professional standards set forth by ACES, the Connecticut Association of School Social Workers, and the National Association of Social Workers’ (NASW) Code of Ethics.

Fundamental Social Work Beliefs

The ACES Social Work Department is committed to nurturing and promoting a safe, positive learning environment in which all students and clients feel valued and respected for their individual and diverse strengths, abilities, and competencies. We support and guide students to become life long learners, problem solvers, critical thinkers, decision makers, and team members in their homes, communities, and work places.

Comprehensive Social Work Services

Social Work services are provided in all of our regional special education programs as well as our three interdistrict magnet schools. Our certified school social workers deliver a wide array of mental health services, which include direct counseling as well as case management services to students and their caregivers. The scope and intensity of the services provided varies according to the social-emotional needs of each student. At ACES, the social worker is an integral member of each student’s education team. The specific mental health services provided at ACES typically include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Systematic screening and evaluation of student needs and on-going assessment of student progress.
  • Full spectrum of direct intervention services: early intervention, individual counseling, group counseling, social skill training (e.g. violence prevention / conflict resolution, emotional regulation), family advocacy and support groups, home visits, crisis intervention and transition planning.
  • Participation in Planning and Placement Team meetings, development and monitoring of progress of Social/Emotional/Behavioral goals and objectives for students' Individual Educational Plans, collaboration with teaching and behavioral staff on classroom and individual behavioral intervention plans.
  • Training and modeling of effective intervention techniques for team members.
  • Participate in relevant professional growth and continuing education opportunities.
  • Collaboration and communication with team members within the agency and in the community, in order to effectively plan and coordinate services.
  • Maintenance of student/client information and documentation of services in a manner that meets and protects the confidentiality of individuals and families.
  • Connection with resources including referrals to community services, triage, and case management.
  • Coordination of referrals to programs including facilitating program tours and processing intakes.