Social Work Oversight
On this page…
Overview
Who: The Ministry of Children and Family Development
What: Reviewing the current state of social work oversight
Where: Province-wide
Why: To better understand the needs and perspectives surrounding social work oversight
How: Online
Engagement Summary
The Ministry of Children and Family Development led a public engagement on the topic of social work oversight in B.C., with the goal of understanding the diverse range of perspectives and priorities on this topic. The scope of discussions covered oversight relating to all social work occupations across B.C., including, but not limited to, the ministry, community care facilities, mental health organizations, hospitals, self-employed/private practice, community development, Indigenous Child and Family Service agencies, and First Nations and other levels of government (e.g., federal, municipal).
Results
The engagement process included:
- Thirty-two engagement sessions held with 76 partners and over 200 participants
- Two web-based surveys, one for social workers and one for the public
- An invitation for written submissions
The input gathered through the engagement showed the high degree of knowledge, experience, and passion that participants have on the topic of social work oversight. The complexity of oversight was made clear. While there were a wide variety of ideas and interests, there was a shared interest from all parties to make improvements in three key areas: accountability, access, and quality.
A summary of views and concerns as they relate to social work oversight are presented under these themes:
- Accountability: ensuring accountability of social workers serving individuals, families, and communities to protect public interest and safety
- Access: improving access to registration, addressing systemic barriers that come with regulated oversight, supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism and truth and reconciliation, and improving the registration process
- Quality: supporting the delivery of high-quality social work services while enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and communities
By listening to participants, the ministry learned about how different individuals, groups, and communities experience complex and competing issues when working within the current state of social work oversight. While there are some immediate actions that can be taken, the ministry learned that social work oversight in B.C. operates in a multilayered and interdependent environment where actions in one area create impacts and consequences in other parts of the system.
A thorough analysis of the implications and effectiveness of different approaches to addressing the concerns raised, coupled with continued engagement with partners and the community, is required to understand impacts and implications of various approaches to improve accountability, access, and quality in the social work profession. This work will inform options for the development of medium- and long-term actions.
Read the Social Work Oversight Engagement Report.
Related engagements
