Social Work Month in March highlights the important role of social workers
Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois (LCFS), a community-based social service organization, is helping celebrate this year's Social Work Month in March. This year's theme is "The Time is Right for Social Work," which underscores the contributions social workers have made to this nation for more than a century and how the services they provide are needed more than ever as our nation addresses economic inequality, systemic racism, the need for improved health and mental health care, Covid-19 and other issues.
The annual Social Work Month campaign is a time to inform the public, policymakers, and legislators about the services social workers provide in an array of sectors, including hospitals, mental health centers, schools, community centers, politics, and in social service agencies, like LCFS.
Social workers touch millions of lives each day and it is likely a social worker at some time will assist you, a family member, or a friend. For example, are you a student who needs athletic shoes to participate in sports, but your parents can't afford to buy them? Talk to your school social worker. They can help you find the resources you need. Do you want a better relationship with your spouse, partner, children, or parents? A social worker can help you forge stronger connections. Are you a parent whose children are in the foster care system? A social worker can help you overcome the challenges you are facing and be the parent your children need in order to return home.
People become social workers because they have a strong desire to help others and make our society a better place to live for all. Social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, social workers need your support, too. While the profession of social work is growing, there is a shortage of social workers within the child welfare field and more are vitally needed.
"We need more people who have a real passion for helping children and families thrive, and we need the resources to recruit and support them," explained LCFS' President and CEO and licensed Clinical Social Worker Mike Bertrand. "The demand for social work professionals has grown, and the entire nation is struggling with finding qualified employees."
Social workers and frontline staff within community-based child welfare agencies play a critical role within the foster care system in Illinois. When professionals in child welfare positions leave an organization, there is a disruption in the care received by children and families. This can lead to children experiencing more trauma and longer stays in care. Adequate funding in the state's FY22 budget is needed to help attract and retain exceptional social work professions in order to support foster children and their families.
"Each day, social workers empower millions of Americans so they can live life to their fullest potential, including at LCFS," said Bertrand. "During Social Work Month, I urge you to learn more about our amazing profession, thank the social workers in your lives, and help support the profession."
ABOUT LUTHERAN CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES OF ILLINOIS (LCFS)
Lutheran Children and Family Services of Illinois (LCFS) is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the well-being of people across the state by protecting children, strengthening families and building futures for those who have experienced trauma. After nearly 150 years, LCFS has grown into the second-largest community-based social service agency in Illinois with programs including foster care, adoption, counseling and preventative services. LCFS has regional sites in Chicago, Belleville, Decatur, Joliet, Kankakee, Mt. Vernon, Oak Brook, Quincy and Springfield. For more information, visit www.lcfs.org.