Is this unethical or what??

DMB2STEP

I just started as a school social worker this school year. The woman who was previously there actually "trained" me my first week in August.. Well, she and the head teacher are good friends. It turns out that she has been calling certain students if they are having a bad day, to say hello etc since the beginning of the year. One student in particular is refusing to even open up or talk to me because he says he does not like me , he likes her better.

Well, we had Open House and what do ya know, she strolls in!! I could not believe it. She stayed for almost half of it but thankfully during that time none of my kids or parents were there. SHe said to me "Oh I was hoping I would see some parents and kids! " SHe then brought up the one student who she calls and said how she meant to call him last week cause he was having a bad day. Am I being petty or is this incredibly unprofessional??? Aren't you supposed to say your good byes to your students or clients before you leave??? I mean how do I build a rapport with kids while she is counseling them from her current job?? I don't know if I should bring this up to my supervisor or just leave it alone. I am wondering if she will show up at our employee X mas party too! iT is just very akward.. and a huge conflict of interest.

Pesky

It's very unprofessional.  I don't think you could've called her on the wanting to see the students and teachers (though that truthfully is the MOST unprofessional thing about her behavior because that is neither the time or place for a reunion).  But I would've actually asked her about that one kid such as "yes, he seems very fond of you.  How wonderful to have such a relationship!  I'm concerned though that I might not be able to help him because he's so focused on his feelings for you and may feel awkward or even like he is betraying you by talking with me.  How do you propose we work that out so he can feel comfortable with me as the designated resource?"  She doesn't have to drop out of the kid's life but it's important that she communicate to the kids that they should look to you.

mrsnewlywed2005

sounds like she has a bad case of separation anxiety 

AlisaS

Yikes.

hilltop

Wow, just thinking from a parents point of view. It would really bother me if a former teacher kept in touch with my son on a weekly basis. This seems uncalled for, but I do not know what kind of issues these children are dealing with. Anyway I do think you should express your concerns with your supervisor. Just be careful how you approach the supervisor. Is this the same person as the "head teacher"?

MrsSledge

Ditto hilltop.  I do not want my kid's teacher or counselor contacting them outside of school unless it is directly related to a school assignment or extracurricular activity let alone someone who no longer works there.  I think it's weird.  Does the kid's parents know this is going on?

Karma1969

I'm a MSW and I think that is very unethical.  I would mention it to your supervisor.