In line with its role as the focal agency representing the Philippines in the ASEAN Sectoral Body on Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is scheduled to host the ASEAN Inter-Sectoral Consultation for the Finalization of two outcome documents on Feb. 7 and 8.
These documents are the Regional Guidance on Strengthening the Role of Social Workers and the Wider Social Service Workforce in Health and the Regional Guidance on Strengthening the Role of Social Workers and Wider Social Service Workforce in the Justice System.
The virtual consultation will provide an opportunity for feedback and further gather inputs from ASEAN member-states, relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, and other international partners to enhance and complete the regional guidance.
It will also discuss challenges and opportunities to strengthen the roles, skills and capacities of social work, and the wider social service workforce in the health sector and justice system.
Meanwhile, the regional guideline will be a significant document that will assist policy makers, managers, government officials, and the entire social welfare and development sector in ASEAN member-states in planning, developing and supporting the social workers and the wider social service workforce.
This will be essential in delivering inclusive, accessible, multidisciplinary and responsive social services to enhance the quality of life, as well as addressing the needs of vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society.
The event is in cooperation with the ASEAN Social Work Consortium and ASEAN Secretariat and supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund East Asia and Pacific Regional offices.