Congratulations and thanks are being extended this month to social workers employed by the Lake County Department of Social Services. March is the time designated nationwide as “Social Worker Appreciation Month.”

Locally, these professional employees work in Lake County’s Child Protective Services program, Adult Protective Services program, In-Home Supportive Services program and in the CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work program.

Social Workers are responsible for screening, evaluating, referring, counseling, encouraging and empowering their clients while also responding in crisis situations. And, they are required to understand and comply with complex government regulations that change all too frequently.

The services these women and men provide through federal, state and county funded programs make it possible for many of our citizens to lead safer, more productive lives.

In 2007 in Lake County hundreds of families, children and elders received life-changing services with the assistance of social workers.

The Lake County Department of Social Services acknowledges the valuable contributions these dedicated employees are making to our county. The Board of Supervisors has proclaimed March 2008 as Social Worker Appreciation Month.

Carol J. Huchingson is director of Lake County Social Services.

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