Family & Community Engagement Flashcards

Which of the following BEST describes a trauma-informed approach to family engagement?

Answer: Recognizing that family behaviors may stem from past trauma and responding with empathy and safety

Trauma-informed engagement acknowledges how adverse experiences shape family behaviors and prioritizes creating safety, trust, and empowerment.

A school social worker wants to increase meaningful parent participation in school decision-making. Which strategy reflects the HIGHEST level of family engagement on Epstein's framework?

Answer: Inviting parents to serve on the school improvement committee

Epstein's Type 5 (Decision-Making) involves parents in school governance and advocacy, representing the highest level of engagement beyond volunteering or learning at home.

A school social worker is building partnerships with community agencies. Which ethical principle should guide information sharing between the school and partner agencies?

Answer: Informed consent from families is required before sharing identifying information

FERPA and professional ethics require that families provide informed consent before school records or identifying information are shared with outside agencies.

A school social worker is facilitating a parenting skills group. Which approach is MOST likely to increase attendance and participation among working parents?

Answer: Offering childcare, flexible scheduling, and transportation assistance

Removing practical barriers such as childcare, scheduling conflicts, and transportation significantly increases participation among working families.

When a student's family is from a collectivist cultural background, how should the school social worker BEST adapt the engagement approach?

Answer: Recognize that decision-making may involve extended family and community elders

In collectivist cultures, decisions are often made by an extended family or community network, and effective engagement includes these stakeholders.

A school social worker is conducting a community needs assessment. Which data source would provide the MOST comprehensive picture of community strengths and challenges?

Answer: Multiple sources including census data, focus groups, surveys, and key informant interviews

Using multiple data sources — quantitative and qualitative — ensures a comprehensive and accurate understanding of community needs and assets.

Which of the following is an example of a school social worker practicing MEZZO-level intervention in family and community engagement?

Answer: Facilitating a parent support group at the school

Mezzo-level intervention targets groups and organizations; facilitating a parent group is a mezzo-level practice as it engages a community of families.