Toll Free: 1-877-482-0722
Need to talk to a caring adult?
Call DCDSB's Social Work Access Line
DCDSB Social Work Access Line - 905-576-6150 ext. 21021
Durham Catholic students and families can call our Social Work Access Line and leave a voicemail with their contact information. One of our mental health professionals will call back and provide support. (Note: This is not a crisis line and is not monitored 24/7)
Social Workers
Our Social Workers are the link between home, school and community. Services are available at the request of a teacher, parent and/or student. An informed consent is required. Social work services are voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time.
Our social workers are registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers. They provide support, resources and listen to your concerns.
Types of services
Social workers provide the following type of services:
- consultation with school administrators, teachers, school support staff and parents;
- individual counselling and support to students;
- short-term family counselling and supports to parents;
- group counselling for students;
- referral services to community agencies and
- crisis intervention.
School Attendance Counsellors
Our school attendance counsellors provide services and interventions aimed at improving student attendance. School attendance counsellors are a required service under the Education Act.
Services provided by school attendance counsellors may include:
- consultation with school administrators, teachers, school support staff and parents;
- promotion of early intervention steps to address school absenteeism;
- identifying the barriers to school attendance;
- individual counselling and support to families and students to overcome attendance concerns;
Recommendations regarding school programming, alternative learning programs and/or community based services.
When is a student referred?
Students are referred to school social work or attendance counselling services for help in the following areas:
- school attendance;
- mental health concerns;
- social and emotional concerns;
- family concerns;
- health concerns;
- peer relationships;
- substance abuse;
- traumatic events, loss or grief;
- school concerns; and
- short-term family counselling and support to parents.
Contact us
For more information, contact your child's school principal or our Student Services department by calling
905-576-6150 or 1-877-482-0722 ext. 22279.