Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia has been named Public Elected Official of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Houston Chapter.
Sheriff Garcia was recognized for his work in addressing the mental health, cognitive, and physical needs of inmates at the Harris County Jail by partnering with social service organizations and diversion programs to prevent recidivism.
“There’s a time to be tough on crime. That time is always. There’s also a time to rely on social workers and other professionals to intervene in the lives of people in crisis,” said Sheriff Garcia. “Some people in Harris County need counseling. And some need to spend a lot of time behind bars, either in my jail or in a Texas prison. Our challenge is to remember the difference, and act accordingly.”
The award was presented to Sheriff Garcia and other honorees at the Social Work Breakfast on March 24. The event, celebrating Social Work Month, was held at the Rockwell Pavilion at the University of Houston.
With 145,000 members, the National Association of Social Workers is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.
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