[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 39 (Monday, March 18, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S1909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 78--SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF PROFESSIONAL 
              SOCIAL WORK MONTH AND WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY

  Ms. STABENOW (for herself, Mr. Begich, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Coons, and 
Mr. Johnson of South Dakota) submitted the following resolution; which 
was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                               S. Res. 78

       Whereas the social work profession has been instrumental in 
     achieving advances in civil and human rights in the United 
     States and across the world for more than a century;
       Whereas the primary mission of social work is to enhance 
     human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, 
     especially the people who are most vulnerable;
       Whereas the programs and services provided by professional 
     social workers are essential elements of the social safety 
     net in the United States;
       Whereas social workers have a critical impact on adolescent 
     and youth development, aging and family caregiving, child 
     protection and family services, health care navigation, 
     mental and behavioral health treatment, assistance to members 
     and veterans of the Armed Forces, nonprofit management and 
     community development, and poverty reduction;
       Whereas social workers function as specialists, 
     consultants, private practitioners, educators, community 
     leaders, policymakers, and researchers;
       Whereas social workers influence many different 
     organizations and human service systems and are employed in a 
     wide range of workplaces, including private and public 
     agencies, hospices and hospitals, schools, clinics, 
     businesses and corporations, military units, elected offices, 
     think tanks, and foundations;
       Whereas social workers seek to improve social functioning 
     and social conditions for people in emotional, psychological, 
     economic, or physical need;
       Whereas social workers are experts in care coordination, 
     case management, and therapeutic treatment for 
     biopsychosocial issues;
       Whereas social workers have roles in more than 50 different 
     fields of practice;
       Whereas social workers believe that the strength of a 
     country depends on the ability of the majority of the people 
     to lead productive and healthy lives;
       Whereas social workers help people, who are often 
     navigating major life challenges, find hope and new options 
     for achieving their maximum potential; and
       Whereas social workers identify and address gaps in social 
     systems that impede full participation by individuals or 
     groups in society: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of Professional Social 
     Work Month and World Social Work Day;
       (2) acknowledges the diligent efforts of individuals and 
     groups who promote the importance of social work and observe 
     Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day;
       (3) encourages the people of the United States to engage in 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities to promote further 
     awareness of the life-changing role that social workers play; 
     and
       (4) recognizes with gratitude the contributions of the 
     millions of caring individuals who have chosen to serve their 
     communities through social work.

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