Private Members Bill – Social Workers Registration

Friday, 24 July 2015, 2:16 pm
Press Release: Aotearoa NZ Association of Social Workers

Private Members Bill – Social Workers Registration (Mandatory Registration) Amendment Bill – Carmel Sepuloni

James Makowharemahihi President of ANZASW welcomes the announcement that the Social Workers Registration (Mandatory Registration) Amendment Bill, sponsored by Labour Spokesperson for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni, has been drawn from the ballot.

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW) is the professional body for social workers in Aotearoa New Zealand. ANZASW provides support and resources members in their practice to assist them deliver high quality services. ANZASW provides an independent voice for social workers.

ANZASW fully supports the introduction of mandatory registration of social workers.

Currently with voluntary registration anybody can call themselves a social worker and practice as a social worker without holding a recognised social work qualification. As these so called social workers are not registered they are not required to be undertaking ongoing professional development, receiving supervision or complete regular reviews of their competence.

Social Workers work with people who are vulnerable and who often facing complex issues.

Mandatory Registration will ensure that these people receive care and support from people who are accountable, qualified practitioners.

ANZASW urges all MPs to support the Social Workers Registration (Mandatory Registration) Amendment Bill in the interests of achieving the best outcomes for vulnerable people.

ENDS

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