Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1518712,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1518712/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 177,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kabondo Kasipul, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Eve Obara",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "under-stated. Hon. Kimilu, this was a good idea that should have been here like yesterday. In this Bill, he has proposed to establish a regulatory framework for social work professionals. This is welcomed. He has picked very important issues like formalising social work professionals or creating a structured way of managing them. This is something that should have been done. I am happy that he has come up with this. First, there are a few highlights I want to pick about the establishment of the Institute of Social Work Professionals. Who are they? What are their qualifications? What to look for if you want to recruit or employ somebody? At what level are they supposed to enter the job market? This is taken care of in the establishment of the Institute of Social Work Professionals. Secondly, is the registration and licensing of social workers. It is critical that they are licensed so that we can know them and the area they work in. Is it medical or agricultural? We trace certified ones through their registration number. We know there are many quacks around. Only certified social workers will be allowed to practise. This will ensure that only qualified individuals provide social work services, thereby improving the quality of social welfare support to our people. Thirdly, and most interesting, is the code of ethics and disciplinary measures. The Bill outlines the code of ethics for social work professionals with a clear guideline. I have seen they have taken care of their professional development and training standards. This Bill provides for the continued professional development of social workers. It is the same way lawyers and accountants have their continued development studies. Learning is a continuous process. People are expected to continue improving and adapting to new ways of doing things. That is what professional development and training standards will do. Another profession is social work, research and advocacy. The institute will be responsible for promoting research and advocacy in social work. This is very important, as it will focus on evidence-based practises and policies that address social issues that are affecting our people. By supporting research and advocacy, the Bill aims to strengthen the role of social work in national development and social policy formulation. As I said earlier, the work of a social worker is not properly respected in our communities. On establishment of standards for social work education, the Bill has set minimum standards for educational institutions that are offering social work programmes, so as to ensure consistent high-quality training across the field. Those standards are intended to create a uniform foundation of knowledge and skills for social work graduates that are entering the profession. Once again, I support the Bill and thank the Hon. Member for coming up with it. I urge Members to adopt it so that it can become an Act of Parliament. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker."
}