Bill Targets Registration of Social Workers

New Zealand First wants mandatory registration for social workers dealing with vulnerable children.

“We should demand the highest of standards when it comes to the care of our children,” says Spokesperson for Social Development Darroch Ball.

“More than 18,000 people identified themselves as social workers in the 2013 Census. About 50 per cent of those had no formal qualification and only 3465 would meet the current minimum standard to be registered.

“Mandatory registration of social workers will allow the Social Workers’ Registration Board to regulate, support and monitor professional standards for those in the children’s workforce,” says Mr Ball.

“A Social Worker Registration Board survey showed that 80 per cent of New Zealanders incorrectly believe that all our social workers are registered.

“New Zealand First’s Member’s Bill will action years of recommendations from both the Social Workers’ Registration Board and the Children’s Commissioner to strengthen the profession and help protect our most vulnerable children,” says Mr Ball.

ENDS

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