Social work is a unique field in that it is a dynamic one, with its members being lifelong learners committed to staying up to date on the newest research, guidelines, and professional opinions. The field also relies heavily on its qualified supervisors to act as mentors and guides to those entering the profession, ensuring that students not only receive a quality classroom education, but that they engage in their required field practicums and supervised experience with opportunities to be challenged on their ideas and exposed to new situations that they may encounter in their roles as social workers. 

As a recent MSW graduate currently applying for supervision, I place great importance on my supervisor being knowledgeable, experienced, and bringing her own training back to me for meaningful discussion and learning opportunities. The proposed reduction in CEU requirements for supervisors directly violates the NASW Code of Ethics value of competence, which blatantly states that social workers are to "continually strive to increase their professional knowledge and skills and to apply them in practice". Social workers have fought long and hard for recognition and credibility in the behavioral sciences field, and eliminating requirements for supervisors to attend continuing education workshops and training undermines the hard work of our predecessors, especially as it remains a requirement in other behavioral health fields such as nursing and psychology. 

It is my hope that the Virginia Board of Social Work will take the Code of Ethics which we have all agreed to follow in account when discussing this urgent matter. Social workers have an important place in our society, and the profession continues to grow because of our commitment to being well-informed and passionate.