To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Social Services
Meeting Date: March 12, 2024
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Department Contact: |
Jena Conner |
Phone: |
707-463-7971 |
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Department Contact: |
Stephen White |
Phone: |
707-457-5868 |
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Item Type: Consent Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: N/A |
Agenda Title:
title
Adoption of Proclamation Recognizing March 2024 as Social Work Appreciation Month in Mendocino County
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Adopt Proclamation recognizing March 2024 as Social Work Appreciation Month in Mendocino County; and authorize Chair to sign same.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
The Board of Supervisors routinely adopts Proclamations recognizing special events and meritorious achievements.
Summary of Request:
March is a time nationally to celebrate the great profession of social work and educate the public about the important contributions of social workers. The national theme for Social Work Month 2024 is “Empowering Social Workers”. The social work profession has existed for more than a century and the need for social workers is greater than ever, as well as support to meet the high demands of their vital work. Social Workers are often unsung heroes on the front lines, assisting people while navigating through crises and tough life challenges. Social workers are trained to help people address personal and systemic barriers to optimal living; they are employed to effect positive change with individuals, families, groups, and communities to overcome issues that prevent them from reaching their full potential.
Mendocino County Social Workers can be found answering the County’s abuse and neglect reporting hotline, investigating reports of child, elder, and dependent adult abuse and neglect; placing individuals in alternative care settings to support their care and safety when they cannot be maintained at home; and connecting individuals and families to treatment, educational resources, and community programs and services to promote safety, self-sufficiency, and well-being. Social Workers also provide support and resources for families experiencing temporary crisis preventing their participation in employment services, reunify children with their families when it is safe to do so, assist young adults in foster care to successfully transition into adulthood, and provide supports and resources for pregnant and parenting teens in the Cal-Learn Programs. In addition, Social Workers evaluate and connect individuals to supportive programs and services that promote independent living and enhance quality of life for older adults, adults living with disabilities, in-home caregivers, and military veterans, collaborating with other county departments and community-based organizations to meet the needs of Mendocino County’s most vulnerable citizens.
In calendar year 2023, Mendocino County Family and Children’s Services Social Workers investigated 790 reports of child abuse and neglect, provided services and supports to a monthly average of 335 children, young adults, and their families involved in child welfare services, the juvenile dependency court system or non-related legal guardianships, reunified and/or stabilized 93 children with parents who successfully addressed child safety issues and assessed and approved 13 county resource parents to provide care for foster children. The Mendocino County CalWORKS Job Services Social Worker, through Family Stabilization and Cal-Learn programs, assisted 17 families consisting of 31 children in addressing issues preventing them from pursuing their employment goals. In Adult and Aging Services, Social Workers for the Adult Protective Services (APS) Program received 1,421 reports of neglect or abuse resulting in 911 investigations, 779 of which required 10-day or immediate response; In Home Support Services (IHSS) Social Workers processed 928 applications and completed 1,930 home visits for the IHSS Program; Public Guardian (PG) Social Workers served as conservator for 16 older adults needing protective intervention through PG; and the Bridge Unit Social Worker addressed housing needs for 27 disabled or older adults, securing permanent housing for 4 homeless community members.
This National Month of Social Worker Appreciation Allows us to recognize all the social workers that serve our County and their important contributions. Everyone is encouraged to thank a social worker for their service this month and all throughout the year.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Return to staff for alternate handling.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Safe and Healthy County
Supervisorial District: All
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: <https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social-Work-Month>
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: N/A |
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current f/y cost: N/A |
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budget clarification: N/A |
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annual recurring cost: N/A |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): N/A |
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revenue agreement: N/A |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: N/A
CEO Liaison: Steve Dunnicliff, Deputy CEO
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Atlas Pearson, Senior Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Adopted |
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Date: March 12, 2024 |
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