Social Work and Attendance Counsellor Services

Need to talk to a caring adult?
Call DCDSB's Social Work Access Line

DCDSB Social Work Access Line - Call 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)

NOTE: The DCDSB Social Work Access Line will not be available during school holidays and closures (i.e. July and August, March Break and Christmas Break). Please refer to the Crisis/Help Phone line page or resources available in Durham Region page.

TRAILS to Wellness Parent Information Session

If you missed the TRAILS to Wellness parent information session held on April 20, 2021. You can watch the presentation below to learn tips on how to cope with anxiety, stress and loneliness during the pandemic.

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 Social work services are voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time.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;
• intervention and brief therapy;
• counselling and brief supports to parents;
• intervention for students;
• referral services to community agencies and
• crisis intervention.

When is a student referred?

Students are referred to school social work or attendance counselling services for help in the following areas:

• mental health;
• school avoidance/attendance;
• personal adjustment;
• family adjustment; 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; and
• recommendations regarding school programming, alternative learning programs and/or community based services.

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.