Social workers provide more mental health services than psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses combined in the U.S.
Child welfare social workers protect at-risk children by investigating abuse or neglect, ensuring safety, and providing family support services. They facilitate foster care, arrange adoptions, and work to reunite families.
There are more than 810,000 social workers in the United States; it is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.).
Social Work Month was first celebrated in March 1963 to build public support for this helping profession. This year’s theme is, “Social Work: Uplift. Defend. Transform.” These qualities recognize the prime mission of all social workers: to meet and enhance the basic human needs of all people and pay special attention to the needs and empowerment of children and adults who are vulnerable and at risk.
The ability of social workers to uplift, defend and positively transform the lives of millions of people they work with each day is needed now, more than ever. Children rely on the adults in their lives to make good choices on their behalf. When parents or caregivers become caught up in substance abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence and other anti-social behavior, child welfare caseworkers step in and help the family connect with resources to help them overcome their challenges and take the steps needed for reunification.
Our nation is experiencing a period of deep cultural, political, and economic divide.
Social safety net programs are being cut or eliminated. Voting rights are being rolled back in several states. Discrimination against certain populations is on the rise, and our nation continues to face a mental health crisis, with suicide rates rising 36 percent between 2000 and 2022.
Social Workers are on the front lines, helping individuals and communities to overcome personal and societal challenges and even thrive. Social Workers are also adept at bringing people and communities together – no matter their political affiliation – so they can find common ground and work to improve the welfare of all.
Lucas County Children Services honors its dedicated caseworkers who are committed to protecting the safety and well-being of the children of Lucas County.