Dear Editor,
I would like to first take this opportunity to thank Ms. Scaglione for coming out to the luncheon commemorating Social Work Week. Her article of Wednesday April 13, 2011 "Helping people through difficult times" was well researched and a good representation ofthe activities of the day. I do however want to provide some clarity to the article. Andrea Brittin is correct when she notes that a social work degree is not required for employment in some positions with the Ministry of Social Services. It is also true that high quality services and help can be provided by persons who do not possess a social work degree. However the Social Workers Act provides that no person may call themselves a social worker unless they are a registered member of the SASW. The legislation limits the use of the term "social worker" in order to protect the public. As a regulatory body, it is SASW's role to "establish, maintain, & develop standards of ethical practice as well as develop skills and competency among its members for the purpose of serving and protecting the public" (Social Work Act).Once again, the Battlefords and Area Branch of the SASW appreciates the coverage of its activities that the News-Optimist provides.
Dianne Lauritzen
President of the Battleford's Branch of SASW
