To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Services and Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Angela Struckmann 565-5800; Tina Rivera 565-4774
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution Declaring the Month of March 2024 as National Professional Social Worker Month in Sonoma County.
End
Executive Summary:
Approximately 200 social workers are employed in the Human Services and Health Services Departments in Sonoma County. Social workers are integral to providing an array of safety net services, to help protect vulnerable adults and children, and to help divert people from needing multiple emergency services. Social workers strengthen communities, expand opportunities for the individuals and families they work with, and work to facilitate humane changes in policies and legislation that will improve lives. The Health Services and Human Services Departments request that the Board of Supervisors adopt a Gold Resolution declaring the month of March 2024 as National Professional Social Worker Month in Sonoma County.
Discussion:
In 1984, the federal government officially designated March as National Professional Social Worker Month. For the last 30 years, the Board of Supervisors has designated the month of March as National Professional Social Worker Month in Sonoma County. The social work profession is noteworthy for its emphasis on ethics and values, its respect for diversity, its advocacy for social and economic justice, and its rigorous academic, field, and professional training. The Human Services Department (HSD) and the Department of Health Services (DHS) employ more than 200 social workers and social worker supervisors, and they take the opportunity in March to recognize social workers and highlight their unique and important work in our community.
The primary mission of social work is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable. Social workers are on the front lines developing, advocating for, and delivering social programs that are responsive to human needs and challenges such as child and elder abuse or neglect, homelessness, poverty, family crisis, mental illness, disability, alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence, and many other issues. Social workers demonstrate dedication, leadership, and commitment to social change and the well-being of all people.
More than 200 social workers and social worker supervisors are currently employed by the County of Sonoma, and they have dedicated their careers to making a significant impact in the lives of older adults, children, youth, families, and persons with disabilities. They have specialized skills in family assessment, interviewing, information and resource referral, care management, community outreach, legal/court services, and advocacy. Within the two departments, social workers provide advocacy and support to the community through many unique programs and services. The efforts and dedication of our social workers is recognized and truly appreciated.
Each March, the Board has joined with the directors of HSD and DHS to recognize the efforts and dedication of our social workers. The theme for 2024 is “Empowering Social Workers”. The Board values social workers’ contributions and recognizes the exemplary service of the professionally trained social workers who serve our community.
Prior Board Actions:
Every year since March 8, 1994 the Board has honored social workers by declaring the month of March as National Professional Social Worker Month in Sonoma County.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
None
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Gold Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None