Subject: Funding in FY2010
Venue: Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, Committee on Appropriations, United States Sen
Date of speech: May 22, 2009
Testimony for Fiscal Year 2010 regarding the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services
Submitted to the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate
May 22, 2009
On behalf of the Council on Social Work Education, I am pleased to offer this written testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies for inclusion in the official committee record. I will focus my testimony on the importance of fostering a skilled, sustainable and diverse social work workforce through training and financial support programs at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a nonprofit national association representing more than 3,000 individual members as well as 650 graduate and undergraduate programs of professional social work education. Founded in 1952, this partnership of educational and professional institutions, social welfare agencies, and private citizens is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States. Social work education focuses students on leadership and direct practice roles helping individuals, families, groups, and communities by creating new opportunities that empower people to be productive, contributing members of their communities.
Vulnerable populations from all walks of life—defined here as children and adults with physical or mental disabilities, those living in poverty, trauma victims, aging individuals, returning veterans, individuals under stress or facing coping challenges both temporary and permanent, and segments of society needing assistance to adjust to changing circumstances or overcome injustices—are faced with hurdles which for some cannot be overcome alone. Social workers help vulnerable populations in society be as healthy and productive as possible by working with them to navigate societal and personal challenges. Social workers are employed in schools, hospitals, VA facilities, rehabilitation centers, social service locations, child welfare organizations, assisted living centers, nursing homes, and faith-based organizations.
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