I support this petition and the proposed amendment, along with the revised set of social work licensure regulations submitted by the Board of Social Work (Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work [18 VAC140-20]). I encourge Governor McDonnell to quickly sign and approve these important measures. Qualified social workers, particularly those with licensure from another state who wish to obtain licensure by endorsement in Virginia, should not be met with such overly restrictive regulations. The process, as it stands now, is both a disservice to the profession and the public -- essentially slowing and even preventing the efficient and timely delivery of social services to those in need. Given the current and growing shortage of social workers in Virginia and around the country (the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics projects that an additional 100,000 social workers will be needed by 2018), and given the particular need for services to children, the mentally ill, the homeless, and veterans in Virginia, the matter is of critical concern and requires immediate action.