RECOGNIZING MARCH 2025 AS SOCIAL WORK MONTH IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Chukwuocha & Sen. Pinkney

Reps. Osienski, K. Johnson, Morrison, Romer, Gorman, Ross Levin, Kamela Smith, Dukes, Gray; Sens. Sokola, Hansen, Huxtable, Hoffner, Seigfried, Wilson, Buckson

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 17

RECOGNIZING MARCH 2025 AS SOCIAL WORK MONTH IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, social workers follow the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, which calls on members of the profession to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty; and

WHEREAS, social workers have existed for over a century, providing a diverse skillset in dedication to creating equality and equity to all communities; and

WHEREAS, social workers bolster the strength of human rights by tackling challenges, such as – inequality, reproductive rights, racism, and natural disasters instated by climate change; and

WHEREAS, social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States, with more than 700,000 members of the profession; and

WHEREAS, social workers work in all areas of society to improve quality of life, health, and prosperity, including in government, schools, universities, social service agencies, communities, the military, and mental health, health care and correctional facilities; and

WHEREAS, social workers break barriers by assisting people enduring mental crises, families overcoming cultural hurdles that withhold them from supporting their children who are LGBTQIA2S+, and allowing people with circumstances preventing them from voting the ability to express their constitutional right; and

WHEREAS, social workers have aided in the creation of minimum wage, the 40-hour work week, and social security benefits; and

WHEREAS, social workers were at the precipice of COVID-19, providing care for the elderly and at-risk populations, aiding children that were unfocused in their learning environments, and helping thousands of families stay in contact across America; and

WHEREAS, social workers are the largest group of mental health care providers in the United States and work daily to help people overcome substance use disorders and mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, substance abuse, and other disorders so they can lead more fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS, social workers help our nation's veterans recover from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) and other effects of their military service, and it is also members of this profession that are on the frontlines dealing with the perpetrators, victims, and survivors of gun violence with services to address health care and mental health care, stress and anxiety; and

WHEREAS, the support social workers need to meet the high demands for their vital work is reflected in this year's Social Work Month Theme "Social Work: Compassion + Action”; and

WHEREAS,

it is important to support legislation and initiatives that empower the social work profession; and

WHEREAS, social workers have

helped this nation live up to its ideals by successfully pushing for decades to ensure equal rights for all including women, African Americans, Latinos, people who are disabled, people who are LGBTQIA2S+, and various ethnic, cultural, and religious groups; and

WHEREAS, social workers have been behind and advocated for legislation and policies that reduce racial discord including renewal of the Voting Rights Act, the Violence Against Women Act, the Civil Rights Act, the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, workplace safety, and social security benefits; and

WHEREAS, thousands of

child, family, and school social workers across the country provide assistance to protect children and improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families. Social workers help them find loving homes and create new families through foster care and adoption

; and

WHEREAS, social workers in academic settings work with families and schools to foster future generations by ensuring students reach their full academic, social, and personal potential; and

WHEREAS, social workers work with older adults and their families to improve their quality of life and ability to live independently as long as possible and get access to quality mental health and health care; and

WHEREAS, higher learning institutions are critical in preparing students with the skills they require before entering the workforce; and

WHEREAS

,

since the 1980’s Delaware State University has offered a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work; and

WHEREAS, the University of Delaware established its first Master’s in Social Work (MSW) in 2024 through support from the General Assembly.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Delaware General Assembly officially recognizes March 2025 as Social Work Month and advocates for the establishment and expansion of Social Work programs. This legislative body honors social workers throughout our state, county, and nation for the vast contributions they make each day and join in this celebration and support of the social work profession.

SYNOPSIS

This Resolution recognizes the pertinent work of social workers throughout Delaware and the entire country, encourages the creation and expansion of Social Work programs, and recognizes March 2025 as Social Work Month in the State of Delaware.