House Committee Ready to Review Draft Legislation for a National Council on Social Work Education and Practice

CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA: The House of Representatives' Plenary has tasked its Committees on Health, Good Governance, Education, and Judiciary to review the draft legislation titled “An Act to Establish the Council on Social Work Education and Practice, 2025.”

The proposed Act, introduced by Representative Sumo Mulbah of Montserrado County's Electoral District #3, seeks to create a regulatory body that will oversee the education, ethical standards, and professional practices of social workers across Liberia.

In his presentation to the plenary session, Representative Mulbah emphasized that establishing a council is both timely and essential, considering Liberia’s increasing social challenges, such as child protection, gender-based violence, mental health, poverty alleviation, and community reintegration.

“For too long, social work in Liberia has been without a unified framework to guide professional standards, ethics, and training. The Council will ensure that social workers are properly trained, accredited, and held accountable to the communities they serve,” stated the Montserrado District Three Lawmaker.

The draft bill establishes a Council as the national authority for regulating social work education and practice.

The act aims to standardize social work curricula and training programs across universities and service institutions. It will ensure ethical compliance and professional accountability in the delivery of social services.

Additionally, the act will promote continuous professional development through certification and capacity-building programs. Furthermore, it will strengthen social welfare systems by enhancing the quality and accessibility of community and human services nationwide.

Members of the House of Representatives and civil society organizations have long advocated for professional standards in Liberia’s social work sector, which plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable populations.

Representative Mulbah highlighted that the lack of a regulatory body has hindered the effectiveness and credibility of practitioners in vital areas such as child welfare, trauma recovery, and psychosocial support.

He highlighted that establishing the Council will not only professionalize the field but also protect the dignity and rights of Liberia's most vulnerable citizens.

The proposed legislation has already received bipartisan support in the House. It is co-sponsored by Representatives Julie Fatorma Wiah of Lofa County Electoral District #2 and Montserrado County Electoral District #17 Bernard Blue Benson, Jr., both of whom are confident that the bill will transform Liberia's approach to social welfare and human services.

After careful consideration, the House of Representatives voted to send the draft Act to the appropriate committees for thorough examination and recommendations prior to its final approval.

If established, the Council on Social Work Education and Practice would mark a significant milestone in enhancing Liberia’s social protection system and upholding ethical, professional standards in public service delivery.