On Saturday, March 19, SEIU 721 celebrated National Social Work Month and commemorated the strides frontline workers have made to improve services for children and families in LA County.
“It was an amazing day, celebrating social workers. I felt a community filled with energy, solidarity and a commitment to make a difference. Adelante super social workers!”
-Blanca Gomez, MSW, LA County Social Worker
More than 150 social workers and their families attended the second annual SEIU 721 Social Workers Forum.
Social workers also honored special guests with the Champions for Children Awards.
Honorees included:
- Jacquelyn McCroskey, University of Southern California, School of Social Work, Professor
- Mónica Garcia, Los Angeles Unified School District, Board President
- U.S. Representative Karen Bass
Road to Reform
A year and a half ago, SEIU 721 social workers came together at the height of the controversy regarding children’s fatalities in LA County.
In the midst of these tragic deaths, the media, the Board of Supervisors, leaders from the Department of Children and Family Services all spoke out. The only voice missing was that of frontline social workers.
We met with the Board of Supervisors and educated state and local officials about the challenges we face and solutions to move forward.
Only the Beginning
Since then, we have created a strategic partnership that has led to positive change.
Our voices are being heard and our recommendations to improve policies are being implemented.
Social workers are voicing recommendations by working with LA County officials to not only improve the experience of children and families in the system, but also begin to enhance the work conditions of social workers.
Social workers are working to:
- Evaluate policies
- Redesign and develop new and needed trainings
- Develop a standard business process for responding to emergency referrals. This includes streamlining work and ensuring staffing levels and resources.