Joan MacKenzie Davies Lecture | The Future of Social Work:
Reflections on the Social Work that is Needed Now
Dr. Charmaine C. Williams
Interim Dean and Professor, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto
In the midst of the pandemic, social work was called to respond to urgent needs arising from multiple sectors and multiple consequences of long-term social injustice in our communities. Although we may wish for a return to “normal,” it is not possible for us to be the same profession after all that we have seen and done. This keynote is a reflection on the future of social work and how we can work together as practitioners, educators, and leaders to be the profession that is needed now.
Dr. Charmaine C. Williams is the Interim Dean and Professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Her research bridges practice and access and equity issues that affect various populations including racial minority women, LGBTQ individuals in local and international context, and individuals and families affected by serious and persistent mental illnesses. The majority of her practice experience has been in the mental health care system where she worked in inpatient and outpatient services, providing interventions for individuals, families and groups. She has also been involved in organizational change initiatives in the health care sector, and has extensive experience developing and delivering professional education in the areas of anti-racism, cultural competence, mental health and addictions.