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DSS Recognizes March as Social Work Month 2026

March 2, 2026 - COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina Department of Social Services recognizes and celebrates March as Social Work Month in South Carolina. The national theme for this year’s observance, selected by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), is “Uplift. Defend. Transform.” Social workers enhance human well-being and empower families and the most vulnerable in their community.

The ability of social workers to uplift, defend, and positively transform the lives of millions of people they serve each day is needed now more than ever.

“Each day, social workers help South Carolinians navigate life’s challenges by providing support and guidance,” said DSS State Director Tony Catone. “Together, we can make sure social workers have the support, training, and resources they need to strengthen our communities and to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.”

DSS case managers provide social work services and support to the community in a variety of ways, including foster care services, child protective services, employment and training services, public adoption, and adult protective services. DSS also employs staff who provide professional development, training, and administrative support to professionals directly in the field, serving one in six South Carolinians.

The agency is committed to recruiting, educating, training, and retaining the next generation of social workers in South Carolina through the Child Welfare MSW and BSW Scholars Program. The program assists college students seeking a bachelor’s degree in social work from one of three participating state-supported institutions of higher education. Since the launch of the BSW program in Fall 2022 and the MSW program launch in Fall 2023, 57 scholars have already participated, with more than two dozen more expected in Fall 2025. In exchange for tuition assistance and successful completion of the program, participating scholars commit to work for DSS for two years after graduation. For existing agency professionals seeking a master’s degree in social work, DSS offers an MSW Scholars Program for child welfare employees who want to continue their education and employment with DSS in exchange for tuition assistance. 

For more information on the Child Welfare BSW Scholars Program, please click here. To learn about the Child Welfare Employee MSW Scholars Program, please click here.