The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is moving closer to securing the Social Workers’ Bill, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, has said.
She made the disclosure during a virtual address to social workers on the occasion of World Social Work Day at the University of Guyana on Tuesday.
Dr Persaud stated that the legislation seeks to provide registration and licensure, as well as to develop a Social Work Council that monitors, regulates, and maintains the accountability of social workers.
“In the coming months, we will be introducing several key programmes and legislation aimed at expanding social support services across our nation. The Social Workers’ Bill is nearing completion and has benefited from input by Miss Hopkinson and her team… The legislation also speaks to the nomenclature of social workers, identifying various categories of social work. In addition, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is poised to introduce a new paraprofessional course in collaboration with the Social Work Department of the University of Guyana for aspiring social workers in hinterland, rural, and remote communities,” Dr Persaud indicated.
She added that the course will provide individuals with the opportunity to study, work, and gain entry to diploma programmes at the University of Guyana. It will also address critical gaps in social work service provision in underserved areas and aims to make therapy and counselling accessible to every citizen, as well as to provide assistance to vulnerable groups.
Minister Persaud emphasised that the need for skilled, passionate social workers has never been greater.
However, she stressed that there are too many complaints regarding a lack of professionalism and poor mannerisms in the treatment of persons by social workers. She urged social work students to bring about the much-needed change as they transition into the workforce.
Nonetheless, the minister acknowledged the contributions and impact of social workers, noting that their dedication and compassion transform lives every day.
“As we continue to face unprecedented challenges in our world today, the need for skilled, passionate social workers has never been greater. We need you to be the next generation of leaders, innovators, and advocates who will ensure that no one is left behind and whose work ethic will embody the ethos, ideals, and principles of social work, where the client’s well-being and welfare are paramount,” she stressed.
