Students in crisis cannot wait for mental health care – and they shouldn't have to
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School social workers are trained to address mental health needs, substance use, housing instability, bullying, grief, and more. They create spaces where students feel safe and seen. Students across Rhode Island are speaking about how vital these adults are to their success and survival.
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Marcel Anderson, a Rhode Island student bravely shares his story:
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When I was in the eighth grade, I missed over 80 days of school. I had panic attacks, was scared of school shootings, and didn't feel safe. But my school social worker showed up for me every single day. She wasn't just my counselor—she was like my second mom. She helped me navigate my feelings and showed me better ways to cope. A peer of mine told me she showed up to the first day of school in pajamas after being kicked out of her home. A school social worker found her clothes, connected her with family, and made sure she had what she needed. Stories like these happen every day in schools. My peers and I see social workers as caring adults and share things with them that can be challenging to talk to our parents about. They help us manage our anxiety, our traumas, and stay in school. Yet many districts lack access.'
school social worker – well over the recommended ratio. Rhode Island needs an additional 198 mental health professionals to offer students proper support to address their mental health needs.
That's why we are urging the Rhode Island General Assembly to pass House Bill 6045 / Senate Bill 250, legislation that would invest $2 million to increase the number of school social workers statewide. The bill would help schools move closer to the recommended ratio and ensure more students get the help they need, when they need it.
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Rhode Island students aren't asking for anything extraordinary. They're asking for someone in their corner. Someone to listen. Someone to help believe that things can get better.
It's time for Rhode Island to listen — and act.
Sarnya KP is a licensed social worker and a current member of the Women's Policy Institute at the Women's Fund of Rhode Island. Marcel Anderson is a student at the Met High School and Student Advocate with Youth in Action.
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