CAYMAN ISLANDS (GIS) – The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will focus on highlighting the primary importance of social workers past and present this month to celebrate Social Workers Month.

“Our theme this year is ‘Social Workers Generations Strong,’ said DCFS Director Paulinda Mendoza-Williams.

“The department will engage the public by organising events around the theme, which show how the profession has transformed to better serve the community. These events will not only reinforce all the work done by our staff and private sector social work professionals but will acknowledge the value and importance of our local social work pioneers,” she stated.

Chief Officer for Ministry of Community Affairs Teresa Echenique said: “Social work practitioners are the backbone of a community-focused society. As such, their work should be acknowledged and this month’s observance supports that. DCFS has highly specialised Elderly Services, Family, Youth, Adoption and Fostering and M.A.S.H (Multi-Agency Support Hub) teams; as well as our District Community Officers, all of whom provide quality care and a range of services to meet the needs of individuals and families throughout the Cayman Islands. These teams also work closely with several other agencies and companies, both in the public and private sector. The fact that they manage heavy caseloads, meet demanding social needs and comply with increasing protocols, while receiving relatively little recognition, is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our social work teams,” she concluded.

Social Work Month opened with a Thanksgiving church service at New Testament Church of God, East End. This month will also showcase the Cayman Islands a social work pioneers photo exhibition: “Social Workers Generations Strong,” Monday, 9 to Tuesday, 31; 1^st floor exhibition space Government Administration Building, 8.30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

World Social Work Day (WSWD) on Tuesday, 17 will feature two activities that the public are invited to attend. The first is the WSWD Dress for a Cause photo opportunity on the steps of the Government Administration Building, 9.10 a.m. assembly for 9.15 a.m. shoot. Attendees are asked to wear a splash of orange. DCFS will also host a Social Work Month Discussion Panel, to discuss ‘The Evolution of Social Work Practice in the Cayman Islands’, at Constitution Hall, 4.30 p.m.

For further information, call DCFS at 949-0290 or visit the DCFS Facebook page.