THE INTERACTION BETWEEN SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AND TEACHERS: THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUNGARIAN SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT

In my presentation, I will explore the current state of school social work in Hungary, focusing on the interaction between social professionals and other actors within the public education system.Special attention will be given to the practical implementation of social work in schools, alongside the influence of professional and legal frameworks.From an international perspective, school social work has undergone significant transformations across Europe and globally in recent years.However, its development in Hungary has been notably slower, shaped by various historical and systemic factors.My presentation will address these challenges, sharing recent domestic experiences and highlighting practical dilemmas and useful insights.I will also examine the significant differences in how school social work is practiced internationally.While the original focus of the profession was on prevention, in Hungary, the emphasis has shifted toward direct assistance and intervention.I will analyze the reasons behind this divergence from global practices and classical social work methodologies, considering factors such as legislation, societal changes, and the structure of Hungary's social and educational systems.The emergence of school social work in Hungary has fostered a strong interaction with the teaching community, bringing to light systemic issues that warrant discussion.These issues extend beyond schools, indirectly impacting families and society as a whole.I will emphasize key ideas and developments that could shape the future of this emerging profession, for better or worse.Furthermore, I will highlight areas where meaningful progress has been achieved, particularly in child protection and prevention, through effective collaboration between social workers and educators.However, significant attitudinal changes are needed in both professions to ensure continued progress.My analysis is based on insights gathered from social workers and teachers in 75 Hungarian public education institutions, supplemented by a comparative examination of domestic and international regulations.This broader perspective aims to contribute to the ongoing development of school social work in Hungary and its alignment with international best practices.