Cheers to the Fayetteville Observer in North Carolina for this editorial that praises Cumberland County schools for hiring five social workers.

The social workers will help the county track down 650 students who have apparently become dropouts. They will find out whether these missing students have gone to private schools or are now being home schooled. If they are indeed dropouts the social workers will interview them on why they left and propose education alternatives.

The county will also host a party for dropouts in August where they will be given information on how to return to school, including daycare and job hunting help so they can work and earn their education at the same time.

The editorial said it hopes social workers will impress on the dropouts that they are seriously harming their future income by not getting at least a high school diploma.

“We hope the manhunt succeeds. When dropouts return to school, they can save themselves and taxpayers a long-term burden,” the editorial said.

To learn more about the valuable role social workers play in helping young people get an education visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Schools and Communities Web page by clicking here.