To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Angela Struckmann 707-565-5800; Jennifer Solito 707-565-7901; Paul Dunaway 707-565-3673
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution declaring the month of March 2025 as National Professional Social Worker Month in Sonoma County (Countywide)
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 2025 as National Professional Social Worker Month in Sonoma County.
Discussion:
In 1984, the federal government officially designated March as National Professional Social Worker Month. Annually, 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 an emphasis on ethics and values, respect for diversity, advocacy for social and economic justice, and 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 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 in the community 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 are essential to the well being of our county as they work to improve the lives of those they serve.
More than 200 social workers and social worker supervisors are currently employed by the County of Sonoma, and have chosen their careers to make a significant impact in the lives of older adults, children, youth, families, and persons with disabilities. 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 truly appreciated.
Each March, the Board of Supervisors has joined with the directors of HSD and DHS to recognize the efforts and dedication of our social workers. The theme for 2025 is “Compassion + Action”. 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 the Board of Supervisors has honored social workers by declaring the month of March as National Professional Social Worker Month in Sonoma County.
March 26, 2024
March 21, 2023
March 15, 2022
March 16, 2021
March 24, 2020
March 12, 2019
March 13, 2018.
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