Those who do social work need oversight

Re: Daphne Bramham’s opinion March 8; Ministry confident in its social workers, Letters, March 12

Professional regulation exists to protect the public. This is achieved by establishment of minimum qualifications to practise the profession, adherence to standards of practice and ethics, and accountability of individuals. As Daphne Bramham capably demonstrated in recent columns, the vulnerable children and youth served by the ministry of children and family development deserve the protection offered by highly qualified staff accountable to the public.

Minister Stephanie Cadieux suggests there are two barriers to requiring her ministry’s social workers to be so accountable: the shortage of qualified social workers and the employment of other professionals. However, there are seven schools of social work in B. C. which graduate over 300 social workers each year.

If the government established professional regulatory colleges for counsellors as well as child and youth care workers, then the public protection issue would be addressed and exemptions would not be necessary.

Lawyers, teachers, health care professionals ( including social workers) employed in the public sector are all regulated .

Everyone receiving services from a social worker should know that this person is a registered social worker and is qualified and accountable, without exception. SUSAN IRWIN Former Registrar, BC College of Social Workers, New Westminster

It is true that many employees in child protection and income assistance present themselves as social workers when they do not have the education or training to make this claim.

However, Daphne Bramham’s column states “they are not legally allowed to call themselves social workers, even though that is the work they do.”

The government allows and encourages these workers to call themselves “social workers” due to an exemption in the Social Work Act. Correcting this would require the exemption to be lifted in all sectors, as it was in the health sector in 2013. SARAH CHAPPLE MSW, RSW Vancouver