Posted on by SMS

Executive Order No. 15 known as Redirecting the Functions and Operations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Republic Act 8369 known as Family Courts Act of 1997 authorize the Department of Social Welfare and Development to accredit social workers of Local Govrnment Units, National Government Agencies, Non-Government Organizations and other individual practitioners.

Accreditation of social workers managing court-related cases is an enabling process of recognizing their capability and competency in managing court related cases. Through accreditation, corresponding authority is given to the practitioner to be an expert witness in court litigation and handling of cases in court setting, thereby ensuring protection and welfare of the clients.

WHO CAN BE ACCREDITED?

Social Workers who are;

  1. Employed by DSWD, LGUs, NGAs or NGOs
  2. Individual practitioner

QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Must be a registered social worker.
  2. Has completed training on managing court-related cases conducted by DSWD or its recognized training institution
  3. Has direct experience in handling at least four cases of any of the disadvantaged groups.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  1. Professional Regulations Commission license
  2. Certificate of attendance to training pertinent to managing court-related cases from DSWD or its recognized institution
  3. Documents such as case study reports, progress running notes, case summary, case conference proceedings notes, transcript of stenographic notes (TNS) and other related documents as proof of having managed at least four cases
  4. A letter of recommendation from any of the following:
    1. Supervisor of the applicant
    2. Two respected members of the community where the social worker practices
    3. Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc., (PASWI)

BENEFITS FOR AN ACCREDITED SOCIAL WORKER

  1. Continuing technical assistance to include attendance to lectures, seminar-workshops and other forms of capability building sponsored by DSWD.
  2. Inclusion in the list of social workers to be considered for scholarships, fellowships and post graduate studies in regional, national and foreign level courses or training relative to management of cases of disadvantaged individuals or groups.
  3. Opportunity to participate in relevant consultations on policy, program and standards formulation and other related activities of the DSWD.

HOW TO APPLY?

The social worker shall file the application at the DSWD Field Office concerned for review of documents and endorsement to the Standards Bureau, DSWD Central Office.

The Standards Bureau shall review application and documents submitted by the applicant and conduct validation / on site assessment through review of case records, interview of applicant and client and other relevant activities.

A Certificate of Accreditation shall be issued by the Secretary or her duly authorized representative to be endorsed by the Standards Bureau through the DSWD Field Office to qualified social workers at least 30 days after the validation visit. The certificate of Accreditation is valid for three consecutive years from the date of issuance. It is non transferable.

Renewal of accreditation shall be every three years from the date of issuance following steps 1, 2 and 3. Application shall be filed at least two months before the expiry date together with the following requirements;

  1. Certificate of relevant training attended or refresher course of at least 120 hours given by DSWD or its recognized training institution.
  2. Summary of cases handled by the applicant supported by social case study report, progress notes and other relevant documentation pertaining to cases.