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| Social workers are banned from providing, disclosing or destroying personal information of persons in need of protection __Photo: VNA |
The Government has recently issued Decree 110/2024/ND-CP, on social work, with the hope to promote the development of the system of social work service providers in Vietnam.
Effective as of October 15, the new decree, which is considered an important stride in improving Vietnam’s social security system, is expected to protect lawful rights and interests of individuals, groups of individuals and communities.
As defined in Decree 110, social work means activities in support of individuals, families, groups of individuals and communities to solve social issues, contributing to ensuring social security, protecting human rights and building a fair and equitable society.
The new regulation specifies target beneficiaries of social work, including individuals, families, groups of individuals and communities that need social work services. These services are designed to support the prevention, intervention, therapy, rehabilitation and development of vulnerable entities.
Under the Decree, to promote social work, organizations and individuals, including also non-governmental organizations and sole proprietorships, are encouraged to invest in, and develop social work service establishments. Meanwhile, the State will be in charge of developing the system of public establishments providing social work services. These social work service establishments will assist those in need of social protection and care in overcoming difficulties, integrating into the community and developing themselves.
Noticeably, the Decree clarifies six prohibited acts in social work activities to ensure their transparency.
Specifically, social workers are banned from providing, disclosing or destroying personal information of persons in need of protection without the latter’s consent. They may not refuse to provide services to those in need of urgent protection, except force majeure events.
In addition, they are not allowed to abuse the provision of social work services for self-seeking purpose or for violation of law, or take advantage of their professions for seeking personal gain from the State's policies or from the assistance of organizations and individuals.
At the same time, it is prohibited to earn profits other than the remuneration and expenses agreed upon in social work service provision contracts, or use professions to infringe upon the interests of the State, and lawful rights and interests of organizations and individuals.- (VLLF)
