Latvian Social Workers Association Annual Conference 8.11.2019

November 27, 2019 socialWEN Actualities

On November 8, 2019, the annual conference of the Latvian Social Workers Association “Sustainability of Social Work and Future Challenges” was held. This year the conference was held for the first time outside Riga, in Sigulda, in the premises of the Devons Cultural Center. The Social Workers’ Association organized a conference in cooperation with the Baltic International Academy, whose Social Work Study Program is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Conference was attended by 147 participants from all parts of Latvia.

Presentations on such topics were made at the conference:

1. Andra Mite, Director of the Social Work Study Program at the Baltic International Academy: Professional identity and social work.
2. Mārtiņš Moors, Vice chairman of the board of the Latvian Social Workers Association: Tasks of social work in circumstances when social policy is not a priority in the country.
3. Ilze Skrodele – Dubrovska, Director, Methodical Management and Control Department, Ministry of Welfare: Strategic directions in social work policy from 2021.
4. Liesma Ose, Expert of the Ministry of Welfare project “Development of professional social work in municipalities”: Update of social worker profession standard.
5. Ieva Ozola, Member of the Latvian Social Workers Association: The role of social work and declining identity in reducing social inequalities.
6. Jānis Erts, Strategic manager of the Foundation PLECS: Prevention as an opportunity for municipal financial efficiency.
7. Kristīne Freiberga, Head of the Sigulda Social service office: Social work in Sigulda.
8. Inga Šķestere, Member of methodology development group social work with persons with mental disability: Methodology for social work with adults with mental disabilities.
9. Solvita Anna Gernere – Alaine, Member of the Latvian Social Workers Association: Me, a social worker! Personal experience in social work.
10. Discussion: putting de-institutionalization into practice. Participants – representatives from all five Planning regions – institutions of public administration responsible for realization of national Deinstitutionalization project.

Latvian Social Workers ‘Association participates in the International Federation of Social Workers’ Conference in Vienna Latvian Social Workers’ Association meets with the Norwegian Association of Social Educators and Social Workers