The world of Tzu Chi April 2021 (Vol.133)

TZU CHI 133 11 differences between an ad hoc volunteer, a committed volunteer and a social worker? Ai Hua used domestic violence as an example to shed light on this. He explained that social workers can deal with this problem at a much deeper and broader level than volunteers. “What should one do when domestic violence happens, and the safety of a child is being threatened or a child is being abused? A volunteer has no right to intervene, but a social worker is empowered by the law to propose a course of action to the court after having conducted a professional evaluation. What is the best way to safeguard a child’s welfare and rights? For instance, social workers may suggest that the child be put in a children’s home or in the care of another family member until the family issues are resolved or when the family can function properly.” Social workers are part of the government system and have certain statutory powers. Therefore, it is necessary for them to understand law and litigation procedure. Ai Hua further analysed the problem and pointed out a very realistic issue—resettling the child is just the beginning, what about the child’s future? “Who should follow up on the child’s well-being, and check on his progress in his studies, mental health and family relationship? Besides, how long will he have to stay in a children’s home? The situation can get even more complicated if the parents get divorced, or have a tendency for violence. So, such issues and situations that involve long-term assistance, will require the expertise of social workers to resolve.” Another scenario would be dealing with drug abuse among young people. The social workers will face, yet another set of realistic issues, like, how tomanage the person concerned for drug rehabilitation? In case the drug user is diagnosed with mental health problems, the doctor may prescribe medication to combat it, but who will make sure that he takes the medication as prescribed? And if, the drug user goes to jail again for drug abuse, how should social workers help rebuild his confidence and help him reintegrate back into society and find a suitable job after he is released from the jail? “Of course, volunteers may be able to help him too. However, even if the volunteers are willing to help others as if it is their jobs, they still need incomes for their own livelihoods.” Turning aspiration into a career Ai Hua shared that social work originated from western society. It started off as a form of voluntary work. Then, it evolved into a profession following changes in social structure over times. At present, there are professional volunteer training courses offered in Malaysia. After graduating, the students can choose to serve in different fields, including welfare departments, hospitals, anti-drug agencies, communitydevelopment andnon-governmental organizations. Many students have also chosen to further their studies and work as a special education teacher or as counsellors. In October 2019, YB Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah, the then Minister of KPWKM said that the ratio of social workers to the population in Malaysia is 1 to 8,576. Ai Hua, who was involved in the data collection, said that this ratio is only for reference as registration of social workers in the country is not compulsory. “We can take this number and compare it with our neighbouring country, Singapore. Singapore has a population of 5.6 million people. The number of registered social workers was 1,600 people in 2017. I estimate The ‘Big Dipper’ – Social Workers