To: Board of Supervisors
From: Social Services
Meeting Date: March 1, 2022
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Department Contact: |
Bekkie Emery |
Phone: |
707-463-7761 |
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Department Contact: |
Jena Conner |
Phone: |
707-463-7971 |
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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 2022 as Social Work Appreciation Month in Mendocino County
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Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Adopt Proclamation recognizing March 2022 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 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 2022 is “The Time is Right for Social Work.” The social work profession has existed for more than a century and the need for social workers is great, especially as our nation continues to deal with entrenched problems that have stressed our society, including the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic racism, economic inequality, global warming, and other crises. Social workers, who are often unsung heroes, are on the front lines, helping people overcome these crises and navigate 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 successfully transition into adulthood and provide support and resources for pregnant and parenting teens in the Cal-Learn programs. In addition, Social Workers support resource parents to care for abused and neglected children, provide case management for children and families in voluntary services and court ordered juvenile dependency cases, offer supportive programs and services that promote independent living and enhance quality of life for older adults, adults living with disabilities, in-home care givers, and military veterans, and collaborate with other county departments and community-based organizations to meet the needs of Mendocino County’s most vulnerable citizens.
In calendar year 2021, Mendocino County Family & Children’s Services Social Workers investigated a total of 954 reports of child abuse and neglect, provided services and supports to a monthly average of 321 children, young adults and their families involved in child welfare services or the juvenile dependency system, reunified 73 children with parents who successfully addressed child safety issues and assessed and approved 45 resource parents to provide care for foster children. The Mendocino County CalWORKs Job Services Social Worker, through the Family Stabilization and Cal-Learn programs, assisted 27 families consisting of 49 children in addressing issues preventing them from pursuing their employment goals. In Adult and Aging Services, Social Workers investigated 775 referred cases of neglect/abuse, served as conservator for 15 older adults needing protective intervention, addressed housing needs for 20 disabled/older adults, and secured permanent housing for 14 homeless community members.
This National Month of Social Work 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 through the year.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Return to staff for alternative handling.
Does This Item Support the General Plan? N/A
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 |
budgeted in current f/y: N/A |
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current f/y cost: N/A |
if no, please describe: |
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annual recurring cost: N/A |
revenue agreement: N/A |
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budget clarification: |
Agreement/Resolution/Ordinance Approved by County Counsel: Yes
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CEO Liaison: Darcie Antle, Assistant CEO |
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CEO Review: Choose an item. |
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CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Atlas Pearson, Deputy Clerk II |
Final Status:Adopted |
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Date: March 1, 2022 |
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