Minister proclaims Social Work Week

Julie Bettney, Minister of Health and Community Services, will sign a proclamation March 12 to acknowledge Social Work Week in Newfoundland and Labrador, March 11-15. This year the theme selected for the week is "Social Work for Social Justice."

"I am very pleased to take this opportunity to recognize social workers in Newfoundland and Labrador for their efforts in helping individuals, families, groups and communities find solutions to the issues that affect their well-being," said Minister Bettney. "Social workers help people with a wide variety of personal problems, yet they are also responsive to social problems such as poverty, unemployment, racism, sexism and other emerging social needs. Through assessment, counseling, administration, consultation, policy development and research, these professionals enrich lives and relationships."

Social workers in this province work in a variety of settings and in various program areas. They are employed in hospitals, correctional facilities in the criminal and civil justice system, senior citizens� homes, and community based programs. They also work in the Department of Human Resources and Employment, in the Department of Health and Community Services, and with Health and Community Services and Integrated Health Boards. Social workers employed with these boards generally work in three specific program areas - child , youth and family services programs which include child protection, caregiver services, adoptions, post adoptions, family support programs, youth services, early childhood development initiatives, and child care; community youth corrections, family and rehabilitative services, and continuing care programs. In addition, they work in mental health and addictions programs.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers (NLASW) is the professional association and regulatory body for the almost 950 social workers registered to practice in this province. NLASW is participating in Social Work Week 2002 as a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). The national association represents over 10,000 social workers across the nation.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

2002 03 08                           4:05 p.m.