To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Social Worker Month
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution declaring March 2024 as National Social Work Month in Contra Costa County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
Social Work Month in March is a time to celebrate the great profession of social work.
The theme for Social Work Month 2024 is Empowering Social Workers!.
Social Work Month is a time to learn more about the many positive contributions of the profession, and celebrate all the social workers in Contra Costa County.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF proclaiming March 2024 as Social Work Month in Contra Costa County
WHEREAS, Social Work is a profession truly dedicated to helping people improve their well-being and enhance their basic and complex needs, especially those who are vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty; and
WHEREAS, the 2024 Social Work Month theme “Empowering Social Workers” embodies the need for our community to support Social Workers so they can continue to do the life-affirming work helping individuals and families overcome hurdles, access resources, and thrive; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, Contra Costa County had 342 Social Workers who positively touch the lives of residents each day through human services programs, medical clinics and hospitals, and the court system; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, the 105 Social Workers of Contra Costa Health Services served community members through programs such as Black Infant Health, the Ryan White AIDS program, psychiatric emergency services, juvenile probation, school-based clinics, and Healthcare for the Homeless; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, the 12 Social Workers and Case Managers of the Public Defender's Office advocated for and connected more than 600 clients through assessment, transportation, holistic intervention partnership, substance abuse treatment coordination, mental health diversion, youth defender social work, re-entry support, and services to promote health, well-being, and prosocial engagement, while also educating stakeholders and partners in the criminal justice system on the benefits of the holistic defense model; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, the 225 Social Workers of the Employment and Human Services Department protected children and youth from abuse and neglect by receiving and responding to 8,506 Child Protective Services referrals; supported 925 children and youth in foster care and guardianship placements; protected an average of 865 older and disabled adults each month from abuse and neglect; ensured 15,170 In-Home Supportive Services consumers were able to live safely and independently at home; and assisted 2,538 parents to overcome barriers to employment; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers are on the frontlines in helping our community solve pressing social problems, including an increased demand for mental health services; an opioid addiction crisis; and economic inequality; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County Social Workers respect the dignity and worth of all people and help advocate for human rights, including for people of all nationalities, genders, ethnicities, cultures, colors, faiths, languages, and preferences; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County Social Workers collaborate with and appreciate Social Workers serving in schools and a variety of community based organizations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: in recognition of the numerous contributions by Contra Costa County’s Social Workers, we proclaim the month of March 2024 as Social Work Month, in celebration and support of this noble profession.