Michael O’Grady, North Bay Regional Center Social Worker

Sonya Henry, Los Angeles Adult Protective Services Social Worker

David Mulvey, San Andreas Regional Center Social Worker

The Future of Social Work
In California

Assemblywoman Dion Aroner, chair of the Human Services Committee, is conducting hearings on “Planning the Future of Social Work In California: Dealing with the Crisis of the Social Worker Shortage.” Local 535 members Michael O’Grady and David Mulvey addressed developmental disabilities issues and Sonya Henry spoke on issues confronting adult protective services.

The hearing was in Alameda County on February 9. Aroner is proposing legislation for a major social services funding bill for child welfare, adult protective services, and developmental disabilities programs. The total amount could be as high as $500 million.

Testimony was also provided by Jan Lee Wong, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter, James Midgley, Dean of the University of California at Berkeley, School of Social Welfare, John Cullen, Vice President At-Large, County Welfare Directors Association, and other experts on aging, mental health, and clinical social work.

Summary of the Hearings