To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Social Services
Meeting Date: March 24, 2026
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Department Contact: |
DeDe Parker |
Phone: |
707-463-7761 |
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Department Contact: |
Renée Alger |
Phone: |
707-510-5820 |
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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 2026 as Social Work Appreciation Month in Mendocino County
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Adopt Proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Appreciation Month in Mendocino County; and authorize chair to sign same.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
None.
Summary of Request:
March is a time to celebrate the great profession of social work nationwide and educate the public about the important contributions of social workers. Social Workers positively impact the lives of millions of Americans daily, in hospitals, schools, child welfare agencies, adult services, community centers, and within the federal, state and local governments nationwide. For more than a century, Social Workers have worked to improve human well-being, advocate for justice, and support the basic needs of children, and adults.
Social Workers select this profession out of a deep commitment to help uplift, defend, and transform the lives of people, their families and communities.
The 2026 theme. “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform,” shines a light on the resolute spirit of social workers who transform lives while bringing hope, healing, and justice to the communities they serve - especially in times of profound change and challenges.
Social Workers follow a Code of Ethics that calls on them to stand for equity in every community, uphold human dignity, and fight injustice.
Social Workers are on the frontlines defending vulnerable populations, including those facing discrimination or poverty, while uplifting vital social safety net programs and ensuring the rights of everyone.
Social Workers care for those who have mental health issues, are recovering from substance use disorders, and support the well-being of children.
The profession continues to grow, with more than 810,000 social workers in the Unites States who transform lives by shaping a more just and compassionate society through leadership, education, advocacy and direct practice.
Mendocino County’s Social Workers play a vital role in protecting and supporting our community. They respond to the County’s abuse and neglect hotline, investigate concerns involving children, older adults, and dependent adults, and help ensure safety by arranging alternative care when individuals cannot remain at home. Our Social Workers connect individuals and families with treatment, educational resources, and community services that promote safety, stability, and well-being.
They support families experiencing temporary crises, help reunify children with their families when it is safe to do so, assist young adults transitioning from foster care into adulthood, and guide pregnant and parenting teens in the Cal-Learn Program. Social Workers also assess needs and connect older adults, adults with disabilities, in-home caregivers, and veterans to programs that enhance independence and quality of life, working closely with county partners and community organizations.
We deeply appreciate the dedication, compassion, and expertise our Social Workers bring to Mendocino County’s most vulnerable residents every day.
In calendar year 2025, Mendocino County Family and Children's Services Social Workers investigated 626 reports of child abuse and neglect, reunified 33 children with parents and stabilized families with 58 children able to remain in their home with caretakers who successfully addressed child safety issues, and assessed and approved 23 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 43 families consisting of 83 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 1,623 reports of neglect or abuse resulting in 933 investigations, 753 of which required 10-day or immediate response; In Home Support Services (IHSS) Social Workers processed 925 applications and completed 2,300 home visits for the IHSS Program; Public Guardian (PG) Social Workers served as conservator for 22 older adults needing protective intervention through PG; and the Bridge Unit Social Worker addressed housing needs for 23 disabled or older adults, securing permanent housing for 1 homeless community members.
This National Social Worker month allows us to recognize all the social workers who serve our County and their important contributions. Therefore, in recognition of the critical contributions of social workers across our nation, we request to proclaim the month of March 2026 as National Social Worker Month, and call upon everyone to join the National Association of Social Workers and Mendocino County Department of Social Services in celebrating and supporting the vital work of Social Workers who uplift, defend and positively transform our communities each and every day. Everyone is encouraged to thank a social worker for their service this month and 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: National Association of Social Workers <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: Executive Office
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Item Status |
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Date: Date Executed |
Executed Item Type: item |
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