Premier Robert Ghiz has declared March 23 to 29 as Social Work Week in Prince Edward Island. The 2008 theme is Human Rights in a Diverse Community. The focus for this week is to recognize the contributions of Social Workers in upholding the humans rights of all citizens and, in particular, those of new citizens and residents who have immigrated to Canada.
“This week is an occasion to recognize the important, and often difficult, work of the 238 Registered Social Workers of Prince Edward Island throughout the year,” said Hon. Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island.
Social Work Week is organized by the Prince Edward Island Association of Social Workers to draw attention to the importance of the profession locally and around the world. President Margaret Kennedy said that Social Workers work within the health and social services system and in the community to make a difference by advocating for the provision of adequate resources to meet the basic needs of individuals and families, and for enhanced social policies.
According to Kennedy, there is a growing need for educated and experienced social workers in the province. “Given the average age of our members, within the next few years there will be increased employment opportunities as a result of retirements.”
In Prince Edward Island, most social workers are employed in child protection, adoption services, foster care, counselling services, the court system, mental health services, addiction services, hospital settings, family service agencies, family courts and employee assistance programs. For background about Social Work as a career, visit the Canadian Association of Social Workers Web site at http://www.casw-acts.ca or Job Futures Prince Edward Island at http://www.pei.jobfutures.org/profiles/profile.cfm?noc=4152