The only non-professional people I worked with were some of the parents. Everyone else had their BSW, MSW, PhD. (at least in the agency). The people I worked with in the schools were professionally trained teachers, counselors, (the exception being aides but they were supervised directly) etc. The same goes for all court personnel.

I do think it is possible for people who do not have a degree to work with others and have positive results, although in the case of children, I think education is necessary as they are so very different from adults in many ways.

I have seen non-professionals *at work*.....one in particular was doing far more harm than good. This person had a very predictable pattern in their approach and follow up, usually ending in disaster. Of course this is one isolated person that I had the opportunity to witness over the course of time. I'm sure there are people without degrees who would do a fine job but in my opinion, would need to be carefully supervised until it is clear that said person would be doing their best to follow policies, the law and have a sincere intent to help and do good for those in need of service.

Michelle