Canadian Association of Social Workers Launches Landmark Report
on Social Work and Primary Care
Ottawa, ON, September 9, 2024 – Today the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) unveils a pivotal report on the critical role of social work in primary care. This comprehensive document further presents strategic recommendations to the federal government and outlines a path forward for better health outcomes and a more holistic, fiscally responsible approach to care.
Titled “Social Work and Primary Care: A Vision for the Path Forward,” this work is the result of the broader Creating a National Vision and Building Capacity for the Role of Social Work in Primary Care project funded by the Team Primary Care – Training for Transformation Initiative with Dr. Rachelle Ashcroft and Dr. Keith Adamson of the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work serving as leads.
“Our vision is to redefine the landscape of primary care by not only recognizing the critical work already being done, but also by providing recommendations that would integrate social workers more deeply into healthcare teams,” said Dr. Ashcroft.
“The recommendations in this report are designed to ensure that social work’s role in primary care is not only celebrated, but fully leveraged. By aligning policy with practice, we can improve patient care and outcomes across the country,” echoed Dr. Adamson.
Social workers are uniquely positioned with essential skills that are urgently needed within primary care settings and this report outlines actionable steps for realizing that vision, calling for federal support. Further, with their broad and comprehensive scope of practice, social workers are ideally positioned to address the current mental health crisis in primary care.
“This report represents a pivotal moment for social work, reflecting a commitment to enhancing health systems and highlighting the value that social workers bring to comprehensive care. And, at a time when governments and voters alike are concerned with spending and affordability, better leveraging social work is a smart fiscal investment,” said CASW President Barbara Whitenect. “We are excited to work with the federal government to advance these recommendations and build a stronger, more integrated healthcare system.”
To access the full text of “Social Work and Primary Care: A Vision for the Path Forward,” click here.
The Creating a National Vision and Building Capacity for the Role of Social Work in Primary Care project also launched a six-module e-learning program on social work in primary care meant to complement this report. Access them here.
Team Primary Care is an interprofessional initiative of the Foundation for Advancing Family Medicine funded by Employment and Social Development Canada. It is co-led by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Canadian Health Workforce Network, in partnership with over 100 health professional and educational organizations across Canada.
The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is the national professional association for social work in Canada, with a dual mandate to support and promote the profession and advance issues of social justice. Founded in 1926, it is comprised of Federation of ten provincial and territorial partner organizations.
