Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development, has released the following statement to celebrate Social Work Week in British Columbia, B.C.’s complement to National Social Work Month in Canada:

“It is my pleasure to mark March 11-17, 2018, as Social Work Week in British Columbia. Social Work Week gives us the opportunity to thank social workers in our province for all they do to make a difference for children and families. 

“We expect so much from our front-line workers: to listen, to support, to comfort and to problem-solve. It’s a tough job, and it takes committed people to step up and continue in the calling.

“As minister, I appreciate this occasion to formally recognize each and every person who chooses to dedicate their profession to helping others during some of the most trying times in their lives.

“I’ve been inspired by meeting and hearing from new social workers who are excited and motivated to make positive change. And I’ve also been inspired by meeting social workers who have dedicated their lives through long careers in a sector that is always changing, and who continue to be committed to children and families, despite the emotional toll this work can take.

“The thousands of social workers, clinicians and other front-line staff, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen families and keep children safe, deserve to be celebrated.

“Whether it’s supporting families in crisis, working to keep children with their families and connected to their culture, finding caregivers, facilitating adoptions, providing mental health and special needs services, assisting youth in the justice system or helping young people in their first steps toward independence - social workers give people the opportunity to live their best lives.

“This week, and every week, please join me in thanking them for their compassion, their resourcefulness and their commitment to building stronger communities and a better British Columbia.”