Voices of School Clinical Practitioners in Facilitating Family-School Collaboration for Students with Mental Health Challenges

Abstract Book of the 10th World Conference on Social Sciences

Year: 2026

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Voices of School Clinical Practitioners in Facilitating Family-School Collaboration for Students with Mental Health Challenges

Dr. Wai Ming Ho, Prof. Yuen Han Mo, Kitty

ABSTRACT:

Family-school collaboration plays a crucial role in promoting positive academic and developmental outcomes for students. In Hong Kong, there is a rising trend of students facing mental health challenges, making such collaboration particularly essential. Addressing these challenges requires the combined efforts of multiple stakeholders, including families, schools, and mental health professionals. School clinical practitioners, such as school social workers and counselors, are instrumental in facilitating this collaboration. However, there is a notable lack of research exploring the challenges these practitioners encounter while fostering family-school partnerships for students with mental health issues. This study aims to examine the various obstacles that school clinical practitioners face when promoting family-school collaboration in support of students experiencing mental health challenges. Conducted as a qualitative study involving interviews with seventeen practitioners, the research employs thematic analysis to identify key themes. The insights generated from this study are intended to enhance service delivery within school settings for students grappling with mental health challenges.

Keywords: Counsellor; Perceived Challenges; Qualitative; School-Based Service; Social Worker