RELEASE: April 25, 2003

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Commissioner to address 600 social workers as potential allies for DYFS transformation

ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY – Department of Human Services Commissioner Gwendolyn L.

Harris will address over 600 members of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), NJ

Chapter on Monday, April 28, discussing her plans to transform the state child welfare system and urging

her audience to be part of the new movement for children.

“I believe that we have a crisis on our hands.  And I need the social work community to come together to

help address this crisis.  I am not speaking simply about a “crisis” at DYFS… but in the way in which our

society – too often – chooses to ignore its children and to compartmentalize its efforts to deal with

them…. rooted in the “busy-ness” of our personal and our professional lives,” said Commissioner Harris.

“The crisis is rooted in a lack of awareness, and knowledge, about how to recognize the signs of child

abuse, and an understanding of how to take steps to help rectify it.”

WHAT: Annual Conference and Exhibition -- Profession and Continuing Education Conference --

National Association of Social Workers, NJ Chapter

WHERE: Bally’s Park Place Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City

WHEN: Monday, April 28, 2003 -- Luncheon address, 1 – 2 p.m.

WHO:

     DHS Commissioner Gwendolyn L. Harris -- Keynote Speaker

      Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg – receiving the Distinguished Legislator Award

[Walter X. Kalman, Executive Director – NASW, NJ Chapter - contact]

Convention runs from April 27 through April 29, 2003.

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