A SOCIAL Worker’s Registration Scheme has been established in South Australia, making it the first one in the nation.
Officially set to commence in 2025, the scheme will develop professional standards in the state and help build momentum toward national registration for social workers.
Members have been appointed on the board for three year terms, and they will work with scheme director Sarah Wendt who would be in charge of building and overseeing the scheme.
Presiding member Dr Carmela Bastian, a senior lecturer in Social Work at Flinders University, brings more than 20 years experience in child protection, family support and human services as a social work practitioner and academic to the role.
She will be joined on the board by Kerry Beck, Jane Mussared, Ruka Taite, Sarah Macdonald, Nicole Lancaster and Jodie Stevens.
The board is the state government authority responsible for regulating social workers, and will develop and maintain a social workers’ register and prepare and endorse codes of conduct, professional standards and ethical guidelines.
Minister for Child Protection Katrine Hildyard said the recognition for social workers was well deserved.
“Social workers are dedicated, highly skilled and well qualified professionals who, with compassion, walk alongside people when they face really difficult times and most need support,” she said.
“I am proud that South Australia is the first jurisdiction to progress its Social Worker Registration Scheme which will bring well-deserved benefits, respect and support to the social work profession.
“Our new board members are experts in their fields, with decades of experience, skill and dedication. I am grateful to them for carrying the important role of overseeing this nation-leading initiative.
“The new scheme will help enhance public confidence in the vital roles social workers play in supporting and empowering children, young people and families, and in helping to build stronger communities.”
Professor Wendt said the establishment of the scheme was significant in the history of social work in the country.
“Valuing, respecting, and supporting the social work profession is a key part of the registration scheme and I am committed to ensuring the Scheme is operational by 1 July 2025,” she said.
“It is a privilege to be leading the establishment of the scheme in South Australia and working with board members who bring an exceptional range of expertise to their roles.
“I thank Minister Katrine Hildyard for her respect of the social work profession and her advocacy in striving for high standards that ultimately benefit the community and families, with whom social workers engage.”
