The National Social Work Month recognition takes place in March and honors the contributions of social workers who have dedicated their lives to helping families thrive. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County 

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Sacramento County is recognizing and celebrating social workers as part of National Social Work Month.

This national recognition takes place in March and honors the contributions of social workers who have dedicated their lives to helping families thrive. This year’s theme is Social Work: Compassion + Action. 

Sacramento County employs hundreds of social workers in different departments, including the Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS) and the Department of Human Assistance (DHA)​.

Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services’ social workers demonstrate compassion and action by working in the community every day, providing support for children, families, older adults and people with disabilities. Their work ensures that the most vulnerable members of our community receive the care, resources and protection they need to lead safe and healthy lives.

Having worked as a social worker herself, Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services Director Shelby Boston recognizes the importance of compassionate social work.

“During Social Work Month, we celebrate the profound impact of social workers who embody compassion in their actions every day,” Boston said. “Their dedication to uplifting individuals, strengthening families and empowering communities reflects the heart of our mission. By combining empathy with purposeful efforts, social workers drive meaningful change and provide hope where it's needed most.”

Social work dates back more than 120 years. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the first social work class at a university was offered in 1898.

Today, hundreds of thousands of social workers are employed in the U.S. While the job has changed over time, the mission to serve vulnerable community members remains the same in Sacramento County and nationally. 

To learn more about how social workers help community members, visit socialworkers.org.