Trivandrum : The Kerala State Senior Citizens legislation and the subsequent formulation of the Kerala State Policy for Senior Citizens – 2027 mark an important milestone in Kerala’s social development journey.
To strengthen the rights, protection, social security, care and dignity of older persons, the Department of Senior Citizens, Government of Kerala, has initiated institutional partnerships through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 12 academic, research, technical and civil society institutions.
The Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS) has been selected as one of the institutional partners in this important initiative, representing a significant recognition of the expertise and contribution of the professional social work community in Kerala.
KAPS will contribute its professional perspectives and expertise to the thematic area of Community-Based Care and Independent Living.
KAPS REPRESENTATION
At the workshop held on 9 November 2026 at Apollo Dimora, Thiruvananthapuram, the following KAPS representatives participated and presented thematic papers:
Dr. Cherian P. Kurian
Dr. M. P. Antoni
Mrs. Amrida G. S.
Their contributions highlighted the importance of professional social work in strengthening community-based care, promoting independent living, providing psychosocial support and safeguarding the rights and dignity of older persons.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORK
This is more than institutional participation. It sends a strong message that professional social work is receiving its rightful place in policy formulation and institutional planning.
Professional social workers are not merely service providers. Their expertise in community organisation, social protection, family interventions, psychosocial support, advocacy, research and social development makes them essential contributors to public policy and sustainable social transformation.
KAPS acknowledges the collective efforts of the Government, participating institutions, experts and stakeholders in advancing this important initiative.
As Kerala moves towards the formulation of its Senior Citizens Policy – 2027, KAPS reaffirms its commitment to professional recognition, community-based care, intergenerational solidarity and the rights and well-being of older persons.
Professional Social Work deserves recognition, rightful representation in policymaking and meaningful participation in social development.
#KAPSKerala #KeralaSocialWork #ProfessionalSocialWorkers #SeniorCitizensPolicy2027 #DignifiedAgeing #CommunityBasedCare #SocialJustice #SocialDevelopment #PolicyAdvocacy #ProfessionalRecognition #KeralaAssociationofProfessionalSocialWorkers
