As a new MSW student, I am distressed at the proposal to eliminate the 5 year continuing education requirement for supervisors. Absent this requirement, it will be possible that a supervisor could go an entire career – thirty years or more! – without updating their supervisor training. Thirty years ago, I did not yet own my first computer.  Twenty years ago, I did not yet own my first cell phone. Ten years ago, same-sex marriage seemed an impossible dream and the practice of self-filming conflict situations with cell phones was unheard of. Even today, our understanding of trauma and how to create safe space for clients is evolving at lightning speed. These are but just a few examples of changes in our society that have had a profound impact on the way that social work is practiced. I cannot imagine how a supervisor could bring current best practices to his or her supervisees without regular, extensive updates.

When I get my degree in 2021, I want to know that the supervisor I am working toward licensing under is giving me the very best, most current guidance possible – for the simple reason that I want to be able to give the best possible care to the people I serve. If you eliminate this requirement, it will be easy for supervisors to forego continuing education because they are too busy, because they don’t realize things have changed, or because they simply don’t think it is important. Beyond that, it seems likely that some social service agencies will not support or pay for continuing education for their supervisors – even those who want updated training – if they are not required to do so by law.

For the sake of those of us coming into the field of social work now and in the future – as well as all of the people we will serve throughout our careers – please withdraw this proposal.

Thank you for your consideration.