Adoption STAR acknowledges that important role that social workers play in communities nationwide.
As per the National Association of Social Work (NASW): There are more than 600,000 social workers in the United States. Social work is also one of the fastest growing professions in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Each day social workers help people overcome life’s challenges so they can live more fulfilling lives. That is why this year’s Social Work Month theme, “Forging Solutions Out of Challenges,” is so relevant.
It is almost certain a social worker has empowered you or someone you know. That is because there are social workers in all areas of our society who are dedicated to improving the well-being of others.
Social workers are in our schools, working with parents, teachers and administrators to ensure children reach their full educational potential.
They are on military bases, veterans’ centers and in communities, working to get financial and housing assistance, benefits, and health care for our active duty military personnel, veterans and their families.
They are in hospitals, making sure patients have the medical, family and community support they need to recover from illness.
They stand by the side of vulnerable children, helping them form new families through adoption or protecting them when they are neglected, abandoned or abused.
When a loved one dies social workers are there, helping survivors honor their loved ones and address their grief.
Social workers, who account for the largest group of mental health services providers in the United States, put out a helping hand to help pull people out of the morass of mental illness and substance abuse disorders.
And social workers are active in our communities and in federal and state government, pushing for programs, policies and legislation that benefit some of the most vulnerable people in our society, including older adults and children and people who are battling poverty and hunger.
This nation faces complex challenges, including income inequality and racial and ethnic strife, and social workers are on the front line helping all sides forge positive solutions.
Adoption STAR is so fortunate to have many fine social workers on staff, all of who provide key services and support to adoptive families, birth families, and adoptees.
During Social Work Month take time to call, text or email the social workers in your lives and thank them. Rest assured they will appreciate it.