I am opposed to the Board’s proposal to weaken the training requirements for Social Work Supervisors as put forth in the action: “Reduction of CE requirement for supervisors,” and urge that it be withdrawn. I feel strongly that reducing the required hours, eliminating the 5 year timeframe for training prior to initial registration, and eliminating the 5 year continuing education requirement for Social Work Supervisors would undermine the quality of supervision for countless new practitioners.  This would be a detriment to a supervisee’s education and practice, and would put the people they serve at risk. As professionals we are continually expanding our knowledge base and working with a more diverse and complex population.  The proposed changes to the Supervisor training requirements will undermine the profession in Virginia, and would be a disservice to supervisees and their clients.

Donilee Alexander-Goldsmith, MSW, LCSW