DSWD issues procedure manual for social workers' accreditation

The Department of Social Welfare and Development recently released a manual of procedures for accreditation of social workers managing court-related cases.

The DSWD accreditation would authorize a social worker as an expert witness in court hearings or in handling cases on a court setting, which would ably protect clients.

Social workers seeking accreditation must be registered, and have completed DSWD-training in managing court-related cases with direct experience in handling at least four cases.

An accredited social worker gain benefits, such as continuing technical assistance including lectures, seminar-workshops, and other forms of DSWD-sponsored training.

The social worker would also be shortlist for scholarships and fellowship grants, post graduate studies both here and abroad in connection with managing cases of the so-called disadvantaged groups.

There will also be opportunities to participate in consultations of policy programs and standards formulation.

The Bureau of Standards shall review application and documents for accreditation, then conduct validation and on-site assessment of the application, reviews of case records, and interviews of applicant and their clients.

The DSWD Secretary is the issuing official of the certificate of accreditation, which is valid for three consecutive years. Renewals should be filed at least two months before expiry date.

The renewal applicant should attach a certificate of relevant training attended or refresher course of at least 120 hours given by DSWD, summary of cases he or she had handled, social case study report, and progress notes. - Ferliza C. Contratista/RAE