Social Work Month is in March and this year’s theme is Social Workers are Essential. Each day more than 700,000 social workers nationwide and 58,500 social workers in Virginia work toward making life better for others. They empower people, giving them the skills and encouragement that they need to overcome life’s challenges. Social workers also link individuals to resources they may need to live more fulfilled lives.
Social workers are everywhere including schools, hospitals, non-profits, and county government agencies. They are helping people to secure educational services and community resources and overcome mental health issues and substance abuse disorders.
Social workers in the Department of Family Services provide a wide variety of supports to children and families. They protect children from neglect and abuse and help form new families through adoption. They help children and families cope with the loss of loved ones.
Social workers also play a vital role in community organizations and local, state, and federal governments, helping create programs and policies that help make our society a better and more equitable place for all.
Resource families with Foster Care and Adoption are assigned case workers and resources workers in DFS to support them. They also engage with social workers through other community organizations. Some of our families have shared their feelings about the county staff who support them day-to-day.
“The county has been great. I have had wonderful social workers. They were quick to resolve any incidents.” –Sue
“There are many incredible county staff who have been instrumental in helping us to best help the children.” –Cheryl
“That was one of the best parts of this whole thing. I can’t say enough about Fairfax County including her caseworkers, my caseworkers, the home study folks, the people who did the training, and those who answered the phone when we needed something. Fairfax County did an unbelievable job, I felt supported every step of the way.” –Lesley
“Our resource worker was the same for the whole time, and I could gush on and on about how wonderful she has been for me through the whole thing. She knew how to connect with the kids, and it helped having that extra person to give them attention and tell them things that you were saying that they needed to hear again from someone else.” –Carissa
Social workers are essential. Take a moment this month to let them know you appreciate their support. Check out these Unit Spotlights profiling social workers in Foster Care and Adoption.
This article posting is part of the Foster Family News monthly newsletter designed to keep foster parents informed about all the new and notable happenings in Fairfax County.
Learn about what the Foster Care & Adoption program has planned for foster families - stay on top of trends, participate in trainings and learn about policy changes.