In Portugal, direct-practice with children and youth in schools was a traditional area of social work intervention especially
with regard to health education. However, direct-practice by social workers in schools has significantly declined in recent
years. This article presents a case study in this area highlighting the “Plataforma Saúde na Escola” (Health Platform at
School), a program developed by the municipality of Cascais, located near Lisbon. The article explores new contributions
for social work intervention with children and youth in schools. The program being described draws upon a collaboration of
different areas and organizations in which social work is a component to promote/improve the social determinants of children’s health. The analysis of the program focuses on the methodological and ethical-political dimensions. The major finding
is that the collective function of social work with children and youth people is enhanced through collaborative networks and
the strengthening of empowerment, both individual and structural.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
