What is an FSLW and how do I access services?
You may ask- what is an FSLW anyways? Even when I share the long version of the name- Family School Liaison Worker, it doesn't exactly show all that my role entails.
My role in the school is based around supporting social/emotional learning and mental health with students. This will involve giving relevant presentations in classrooms, facilitating psychoeducational groups, and meeting with students at an individual level. My role also includes supporting and connecting families to outside resources in the community. It is important to note that I am not a formal counsellor/therapist, but rather I focus my programming on skill building with kids. That being said, if you are looking for formal counselling, I can help connect you with some resources.
If you have concerns about your child in the area of mental health, emotions, social skills/friendships, or you are looking for extra resources in the community, please feel free to contact me or your child's homeroom teacher. The teacher would then get in contact with me and we will move forward in the referral process.
The parent referral process for formally starting FSLW services are as follows:
1. Parent/Guardian contacts teacher or FSLW to request services
2. Teacher or FSLW brings parent's concerns to School Intervention Team (SIT)
3. SIT discusses how to make wrap-around approach most effective and makes final decision for services moving forward
4. If services move forward, FSLW may meet with parents to complete an intake and discuss goals further.
5. Services move forward as discussed. Communication between parent, teacher, and FSLW will be kept open throughout the work with your child as required.
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about my role or if my services would be helpful for your child through email or calling me at the school (just ask for the FSLW).
Email: laurie.hamm@starcatholic.ab.ca
Phone: 780-986-7480 (ext. 240) Note: my phone does not have voicemail. If you call and are unable to reach me, feel free to email me a message to call you back and I will do so as soon as possible