School Social Work at BASD
School social workers support students and families by connecting them to school and community resources, and removing barriers to educational engagement. Social workers primarily assist students and families with basic needs, mental health services, community activities, and crisis support. They also provide direct counseling interventions to individuals and small groups at school as needed, and coordinate outreach and wellness activities throughout the district. School social workers work closely with local community organizations, the district's Student Assistance Program (SAP) teams and school counselors, as well as the district’s Homeless and Foster Liaison.
Meet the Team!
Maria McClatchey, LSW, SSW
(814) 355-4814 ext. 3061
mmcclatchey@basd.net
Feel free to visit this link and learn more about school social workers' roles and the SSW certification: https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Staffing%20Guidelines/Pages/CSPG87.aspx
Jessica Irwin, LSW, SSW
(814) 355-4814 ext. 3063
jirwin@basd.net
Crisis Support and Basic Needs
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call 988
988 serves as a universal entry point no matter where you live in the United States
Center for Community Resources - Local Crisis Support
Call 1-800-643-5432 or Text 63288
24/7 Walk-In Center at 2100 E. College Ave.
Statewide Resource Line - Call 211 or visit pa211.org
Talk with a resource specialist and explore options for assistance with housing, food, utilities, employment, health, and mental health
Finding Your Way in PA - download the mobile app
Explore services, resources, and information for young people and families, particularly those experiencing homelessness.
Community Organizations and Initiatives
Centre County's Mental Health Community Committee is committed to promoting mental health awareness, community partnerships, and education regarding mental health services, support, and training opportunities
School Teams & Programs
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a team process used to mobilize school and community resources to remove barriers to learning so that students can succeed and advance in school. The phases of SAP include referral, data collection, action planning, and follow-up. Anyone can make a SAP referral, and reasons for referral can include, but are not limited to: significant changes in behavior or difficulty regulating emotions, sudden decline in grades, concerns regarding bullying, and references to substance use.
For the High School SAP Page, please visit https://www.basd.net/o/bahs/page/sap
For the Middle School SAP Page, go to https://www.basd.net and select "Bellefonte Area Middle School." Click "Menu," then "Parents & Students," and select "Student Assistance Program."
For information about elementary SAP, please visit an individual school's website or reach out to a school social worker or school counselor.
For general and statewide info, or to learn more about the history of SAP, visit the Pennsylvania Network for Student Assistance page https://pnsas.org/
Homeless and Foster Care Liaison
The rights of students experiencing homelessness are protected under the McKinney-Vento Act. Please visit the webpage below for important information and points of contact.
https://www.basd.net/page/rights-of-homeless-children-and-youth