"Caring People make a Difference" is the theme of the national and territorial observance of March as "Social Worker Month," the Office of the Governor announced Monday.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull has called upon the territory to support our professional social workers and the human services programs designed to assist families in leading productive and satisfying lives.
Social workers are the front line of human service delivery programs, the national proclamation stressed. They assist individuals regardless of their station in life, social or economic status by providing assistance in schools, hospitals, homes and the workplace. They also intervene on the legal rights of children, particularly as it relates to increased sexual abuse, and the assault of minor children.
Celebrating the month, an appreciation breakfast will be held at 8:30 a.m. Friday, March 16 at the Curriculum Center in Estate Tutu on St. Thomas by the V.I. Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, according to spokesperson Roxie Venzen.
A work session, "Understanding and Treating Grief in Children," will also be held. Venzen encouraged all social service providers to share in "a perfect opportunity to network with professionals in the fields of health, education, human services, private practice, private agencies and, of course, our retirees." The session will conclude at noon. Venzen asks participants to RSVP at 774-4399, ext. 2245.
On Monday, March 26 the association will present a workshop by J.Wilson Watt, associate professor at the School of Social Work University of Missouri-Columbia, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Curriculum Center in Estate Tutu. Entitled, "Licensure and Accreditation: Meeting Obligations to the Profession and to our Clients," Watt will discuss current V. I. licensure laws and the revision to educational policy standards of the Council of Social Work Education.
The cost is $20 to association members, and $25 to nonmembers, and six contact hour credits are available at $5. A light lunch will be served.
For reservations call Juliette Millin at 774-4393, ext. 4244.
