The Case Conference of Social Work at North Valley College exemplifies the institutionโs commitment to SDG 1โNo Povertyโby providing an organized training platform that enhances the capacity of students to address the needs of individuals and families living in extreme poverty. Conducted as part of the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) fourth-year field instruction, this program allows interns to present and analyze their social case study reports, focusing on clients who belong to the poorest sectors of society. Through this process, students assess the clientโs situation, identify barriers to accessing basic services, and propose sustainable solutions that promote empowerment, self-reliance, and social inclusionโkey principles in international social development.
Aligned with global standards for internationalization in social work education, the Case Conference integrates the professional helping processโassessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and termination or case transferโwithin a real-world context. Interns not only provide direct services to marginalized clients but also assist them in navigating social welfare programs, livelihood opportunities, and other government or non-government initiatives that address their needs. When services are unavailable within their agency, students initiate inter-agency referrals, demonstrating collaboration, cultural competence, and adherence to international best practices in social service delivery. This multidisciplinary approach reflects the United Nationsโ call for integrated and inclusive social protection systems to eradicate poverty in all its dimensions.
Moreover, the Case Conference fosters global citizenship and ethical professionalism by bridging classroom learning with community engagement. It strengthens the link between education and social transformation, allowing students to develop critical thinking, empathy, and advocacy skills necessary for global social work practice. By creating an academic space where students, supervisors, and agency representatives collaborate to improve service delivery, North Valley College ensures that its social work program contributes not only to national poverty reduction efforts but also to the broader international agenda of achieving sustainable and equitable development for all.
