de los centros en general y de la relación-familia escuela en particular. En muchas ocasiones son estos profesionales los que trabajan en favor de la mediación, de la resolución de conflictos y de problemáticas múltiples que se generan en la relación escuela y familia. Así, estos profesionales pueden actuar como una verdadera bisagra de comunicación, transparencia, contacto con los familiares y adecuación de la familia y el menor al entorno, pues conocen las fortalezas y las debilidades de esta relación. Aunque se consideran un tercer pilar, presentan muchas fragilidades, que responden a distintos órdenes. Palabras claves: Participación, familia, escuela, Trabajo social, retos. Abstract Outside professionals that perform support and care in the school setting are valued by families and educational staff, although its role and functions resulting somewhat diffuse. These professionals can provide a more objective and critical view on the functioning of the institutions in general and the family-school relationship in particular. Often these professionals are those who work in favor of mediation, conflict resolution and multiple problems that are generated in the school and family relationship. Thus, these professionals can act as a true hinge communication, transparency, contact with family and adequacy of the family and the child to the environment, since they know the strengths and weaknesses of this relationship. Although considered a third pillar, they have many weaknesses, responding to different orders. Keywords: Participation, family, school, social work, challenges.