National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter (NASW-CA)’s Post

I urge a close reading of "How It All Broke" by the New Brunswick Child, Youth, and Seniors’ Advocate, as it offers deep insights into systemic social policy management issues in New Brunswick. While the stated goal is to not assign blame, it will be understandably difficult for those working hard on the inside, with meaningful intentions, not to feel hurt. In my experience, we have a capable, caring, and empathetic civil service. The report covers a broad range of failures and recommendations, but here are a few takeaways that surfaced for me in the context of public policy and public sector transformation. The Importance of Integrated Service Delivery Models: The report highlights the fragmented nature of service delivery across various social programs. A key takeaway is the potential for integrated service delivery models to significantly improve efficiency and outcomes. By breaking down silos and encouraging cross-departmental collaboration, governments can better meet the complex needs of individuals and families, providing more holistic and responsive support. This approach could transform how services are conceptualized, designed, and delivered, moving towards a system that centers on the user rather than the service provider. The Critical Role of Data and Analysis in Governance with Legislative Support: The report underscores the underuse of data and analytics in decision-making within the public sector, highlighting a gap in evaluating social programs' effectiveness. For public policy transformation, it's crucial to embed data analytics into public operations, supported by legislative and regulatory changes. Existing laws reinforce silos, blocking effective data integration. To leverage data, we need legal reforms that promote data sharing and mandate analytics use across departments, enabling more responsive and informed governance. The Need for a Cultural Shift Towards Innovation and Flexibility: While the report calls out the adherence to rigid rules and processes, a deeper takeaway should be the necessity of fostering a culture of innovation, flexibility, and problem-solving within the public sector. This goes beyond simply changing policies or procedures; it requires a fundamental shift in organizational culture and mindset. Encouraging public servants to think creatively, experiment with new approaches, and learn from failures can catalyze transformative change. This cultural shift can empower individuals at all levels of the public sector to contribute to continuous improvement and innovation, ultimately leading to more effective and resilient public services. Addressing these areas can drive meaningful public sector transformation, improving the lives of citizens and enhancing the efficacy of government operations. https://lnkd.in/gAmcMWUK

At The Social Worker, Our vision is to be a leading catalyst for transformative change in the field of social work. We envision a future where social workers are empowered, esteemed, and equipped to address the grand challenges of our society with unwavering passion and expertise. Our vision is centered around creating a transformed social work landscape that elevates the impact and recognition of social workers as vital change agents. In pursuit of this vision, We: Drive innovation and best practices: We strive to be at the forefront of innovation in social work practice, research, and policy. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and exploration, We inspire social workers to embrace new approaches and evidence-based strategies that lead to more effective outcomes and sustainable solutions. Advocate for social justice and equity: We are committed to advocating for social justice and equity on behalf of social workers and the communities they serve. We use our influence and collective voice to champion policy reforms, challenge systemic barriers, and create a more just and inclusive society. Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange: We believe in the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing. We create platforms and networks that facilitate meaningful connections and foster collaborative partnerships among social workers, organizations, and stakeholders. Through these collaborations, We leverage collective expertise and resources to address complex social challenges and maximize our collective impact.

We recently journeyed into a deep dialogue on the critical topic of decolonizing social work with Drs. Donna Baines and Bindi Bennett in Episode 30, recorded live on Wednesday, October 25th, 2023. Hosted by Christian Ace Stettler, professor of social work at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the episode unfolded into a blend of insightful reflections and challenging discussions. Episode Insights: Animosity and Dialogue: The first half of our dialogue witnessed a bit of animosity which, upon reflection, could have been avoided with more open, curious dialogue and fewer assumptions. The episode, however, transcended this initial discord, evolving into a more constructive and enlightening discussion. Essence of Decolonizing Social Work: The episode delved into the core essence of decolonizing social work, exploring its paramount significance in contemporary social work practice. The conversation illuminated the pivotal role of decolonization in fostering a more justice-oriented and inclusive social work sphere. Indigenous Frameworks in Social Work Education: A robust discussion emerged around the integration of Indigenous frameworks in social work education, shedding light on the implications for social justice. The dialogue offered a glimpse into the transformative potential of such integration. Collaborative and Individual Endeavors: Both Drs. Baines and Bennett shared about their collaborative and individual works dedicated to advancing social justice and decolonization in social work. Their narratives provided a rich tapestry of experiences and insights that contribute to the ongoing efforts in decolonizing social work education and practice. Challenges and Opportunities: The conversation also navigated the challenges and opportunities inherent in adopting decolonized approaches in social work education and practice, providing a nuanced understanding of the path towards a decolonized social work paradigm. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Drs. Donna Baines and Bindi Bennett for their invaluable contributions to this dialogue. Their insights have undeniably enriched our understanding and spurred deeper contemplations on the journey towards decolonizing social work. 

Understanding the role of a Social Worker as an advocator. The role of a social worker as an advocate is multifaceted and crucial in promoting social justice and addressing systemic issues. Social workers serve as the voice for individuals and communities who face discrimination, inequality, and marginalization. They actively identify and challenge social, economic, and political barriers that hinder the well-being and rights of vulnerable populations. Social workers collaborate with clients, community organizations, and policymakers to advocate for policy changes, create awareness, and mobilize resources to address the root causes of social problems. They empower individuals by providing support, guidance, and access to essential services, while also working towards dismantling unjust systems and promoting social equality and inclusivity. Through their advocacy efforts, social workers strive to create a more just and compassionate society where everyone has equal opportunities and their rights are protected. ..........................

Profiteering in children’s social care has been a growing concern in recent years. Private sector involvement in the provision of care services, particularly residential care, has led to rising costs and questions around the quality and availability of services. This has prompted calls for greater oversight and regulation to prevent the exploitation of children and families and ensure that the focus remains on providing high-quality care. The establishment of the advisory group is the DfE’s response to these concerns, aiming to bring together experts and stakeholders from across the sector to tackle profiteering and promote sustainable and ethical practices in children’s social care. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eZKyTYyS

🌐 Empowering Change through Social Work Theory: Shaping a Compassionate Society 🌟 In the realm of social work, theory isn't just an academic exercise; it's a guiding force that shapes our approach to community welfare. 🤝 As we delve into the intricacies of social work theories, we unlock a treasure trove of knowledge that can propel us in the right direction for societal betterment. 🔍 Understanding Root Causes: Social work theories equip us with a profound understanding of the underlying issues affecting communities. By grasping the root causes of social challenges, we can tailor interventions that address the core problems, fostering lasting solutions. 🌈 Holistic Perspective: The beauty of social work theory lies in its ability to provide a holistic view of individuals and communities. By considering the interconnectedness of various factors - from economic conditions to cultural influences - we cultivate empathy and design interventions that embrace the diversity of human experiences. 🤲 Strengths-Based Approach: Social work theories emphasize a strengths-based perspective, highlighting the resilience and capabilities of individuals and communities. This approach empowers us to build on existing strengths rather than focusing solely on deficits, fostering a sense of self-efficacy and empowerment. 🌱 Adapting to Change: Society is dynamic, and social work theory evolves with it. Embracing the ever-changing landscape, social work professionals armed with theoretical knowledge can adapt interventions to meet contemporary challenges, ensuring relevance and efficacy in an ever-shifting world. 🌐 Global Collaboration: Social work theories provide a common language for professionals worldwide. By fostering a shared understanding, we can collaborate on a global scale, pooling our collective knowledge and experiences to address universal challenges such as poverty, inequality, and injustice. Let's harness the power of social work theory to create a society where every individual thrives! 🚀 Share your thoughts on how social work theory has influenced your practice or how you envision its role in shaping a brighter future. Together, let's make a lasting impact! 🌍💙 #SocialWork #TheoryIntoAction #CommunityEmpowerment #PositiveChange

Celebrating Excellence Social work is a field dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities to improve their well-being and enhance their social functioning. It is a profession that requires immense dedication, compassion, and expertise. To recognize the outstanding contributions of social workers, various awards are given each year. These awards celebrate the hard work, innovation, and positive impact of social workers across different sectors. Understanding Social Work Awards Social work awards are designed to honor professionals who have made significant contributions to the field. These awards highlight exemplary practices, innovative programs, and impactful research that advance the profession and benefit society. By recognizing these achievements, social work awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also inspire others in the field to strive for excellence. Conclusion Whether through direct practice, research, education, or advocacy, social workers play a crucial role in creating a more just and compassionate world. Celebrating their achievements through awards not only honors their work but also highlights the importance of the social work profession in fostering positive change.

In the spirit of social Justice, professional accessibility and communal solidarity, please sign the attached petition at the bottom of this post with the hopes that ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS can revisit their code of ethics: PURSUIT OF SOCIAL JUSTICE by making their fees accessible to marginalized social workers without systemic barriers. It is common knowledge that the profession of social work has deep colonial and oppressive roots that have significantly impacted, disenfranchised and perpetuated the oppression of some communities for centuries especially Indigenous, racialized as 🖤communities and other equity seeking groups, however the majority of both frontline social workers and managers are predominantly 🤍. Although Canada boasts about being one of the multicultural countries in the world, no systematic efforts are being made by the college of social workers to reflect the diversity of people that are serving and being served by considering the financial barriers that immigrant and marginalized social workers face. If the profession and practice of SOCIAL WORK’s purpose is “to enhance human well- being and help meet basic and complex needs of all people, with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty,” one would assume that removing financial barriers and accessibility for social workers would be a priority, but ALAS! Most social workers who are Racialized as Black are used to being the only social worker who looks like them in their workplaces or being a minority in the respective organizations that they work for. It’s not a secret that many of us have never had managers or supervisors who look like us and when we are courageous to apply for those positions they will Dr Claudine Gay you. To put it into context, I have been an employee of a health authority organization for 11 years and in those 11 years, I have had 5 managers and 3 clinical supervisors all of whom were/ are “WHITE”. So I challenged myself to write the clinical social work exam, which was more than $300 and together with the preparation I spent more that $1500 to finally become a board approved clinical social worker. In a world that has a lot of systemic oppression and systemic barriers being a licensed social worker and advancing your career should not be this expensive. Thank you in advance for your solidarity, there is power in numbers, please amplifr our collective voice by signing and sharing the petition 👇🏾https://chng.it/ZcZzWJVJ9W

Unisan Dr Sandile Dhludhlu shares his thoughts on the importance of this day in raising awareness about the importance of social services and promoting the positive impact of social work on individuals, families and communities. Read more: https://ow.ly/f3oO50R6of6