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In This Issue:

Social Workers Help Victims of Haiti Earthquake—NASW Encourages Members to Get Involved  

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
arrow Specialty Practice Sections Teleconference: 
 Promoting Excellence in Pain Management and Palliative Care for Social Workers
(1.0 FREE CE) — February 2, 2010, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (ET)
arrow Lunchtime Series Webinar:
Leading Social Change at the International Level – The Role of Social Workers
(1.5 FREE CEs) — February 4, 2010, 1:00 PM-2:30 PM (ET)
arrow The Social Work Career Center’s JANUARY “Job of the Month”
PRACTICE ADVANCES AND SUPPORT
arrow Changes to Ethics
arrow Don’t Miss the Aging in America Conference and Attend the NASW Illinois Chapter-Sponsored Program That Will Focus Specifically on Aging and Social Work – March 15-19, 2010, Chicago, IL: Earn Up to 29 Social Work CEs 
arrow Hospice Foundation of America’s 2010 National Bereavement Teleconference: Living with Grief: Cancer and End-of-Life Care − March 24, 2010
LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL ADVOCACY
arrow Protecting America’s Children: We Can Do Better.  Spread the News About NASW’s Advocacy Efforts and Commitment to Helping Improve the Nation’s Child Protection System
NEW PUBLICATIONS
arrow Upcoming February NASW NEWS
arrow Inside Children & Schools Journal – January 2010
arrow NEW Titles from NASW Press on Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs (ATOD) and An Author’s Guide to Social Work Journals
MEMBER BENEFITS
arrow The 2010 NASW National Elections Begin in March – Don’t Miss Out on Your Opportunity to Select the Leadership Team that Will Represent You and NASW
arrow Learn How to Avoid Ethical Complaints, Licensing Board Violations, and Malpractice Lawsuits – Protect Yourself
arrow Protect Yourself, Your Livelihood, and Your Future Ability to Help Others
PUBLIC EDUCATION
arrow SocialWorkersSpeak! Conducts Exclusive Interview with Writer of the New Film, “To Save a Life,” A Drama Addressing Issues Affecting Teens
arrow NASW Member and Biggest Loser Contestant Shay Sorrells Wants to Talk with Fellow Social Workers About Healthy Living
arrow National Healthcare Decisions Day 2010 Is April 16, 2010 – Get Involved Now and Join the Effort to Highlight the Importance of Advance Healthcare Decision Making
arrow Wear Your Social Worker Pin with Pride: Support the NASW Foundation’s Public Education Campaign and Spread the Message About Our Profession to the Public
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Social Workers Help Victims of Haiti Earthquake—NASW Encourages Members to Get Involved 

In the aftermath of the deadly earthquake in Haiti on January 13, NASW issued an alert to its nearly 150,000 members to help support recovery efforts for victims and their families.  In disasters such as this, social workers are uniquely suited to assess the disaster environment in a culturally competent manner and to provide leadership in promoting effective disaster relief and recovery efforts.  

“Social workers are often among the first to respond to disasters both nationally and abroad,” says Elizabeth Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, executive director of NASW. “The people of Haiti need our help now more than ever, and we are committed to providing any assistance we can to one of the world’s poorest countries during this terrible tragedy.”

“If you would like to join with your colleagues in the social work response to this disaster, you can donate through the NASW Foundation’s Social Work Disaster Assistance Fund to assist social workers and/or social welfare organizations who can provide help.” For further information about ways to get involved, visit the InterAction Web site or the USAID Disaster Assistance Web page . NASW recognizes that some of our members and friends have lost loved ones through this tragedy.   Our thoughts are with those affected by this disaster.  To find additional resources on coping with grief and loss, please visit Help Starts Here, the social work consumer Web site.
To read the NASW alert and call to action in its entirety, click here.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Specialty Practice Sections Teleconference: 
Promoting Excellence in Pain Management and Palliative Care for Social Workers
(1.0 FREE CE) — February 2, 2010, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (ET)
Social workers want to maximize their effectiveness in pain and symptom management to address the critical palliative care needs facing patients and their families.  This teleconference—moderated by Dina Kastner, MSS, MLSP, with presenter Shirley Otis-Green, LCSW, ACSW, OSW-C—will invite participants to consider ways that they can incorporate evidence-based strategies to promote quality palliative care to address patient and family suffering. Please visit the Specialty Practice Sections Web page for more information and to register for this NASW members-only teleconference.
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Lunchtime SeriesLunchtime Series Webinar: Leading Social Change at the International Level – The Role of Social Workers
(1.5 FREE CEs) — February 4, 2010, 1:00 PM-2:30 PM (ET)
Around the globe, social workers are leading the development of human rights-based, culturally competent practice.  This webinar—with presenters Luisa López, MSW, and Amy Bess, MSW—will address how social workers apply cultural competence within an ethical framework in international settings.  It will also discuss some current international programs, services, and advocacy initiatives being led by social workers.

Please visit the NASW Lunchtime Series Web page for more information and details regarding the entire eight-part Lunchtime Series Leadership Forum webinars, as well as how you can register and participate. The NASW Lunchtime Series is exclusively for NASW members.
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The Social Work Career Center’s JANUARY “Job of the Month”
Social Work Finder

The “Job of the Month” for January is seeking Case Managers  in Carmel, NY.  Full- and part-time opportunities are available to qualified applicants to coordinate services and supports for individuals with mental illness/chemical dependency/behavioral issues in order to help them live successfully in the community. The full-time position will work with adults, and the part-time position will work with children through the `Coordinated Children's Services Initiative (CCSI).  The employer is Putnam Family & Community Services, Inc.  To view the January “Job of the Month” position description and job requirements, click on the above link.  To view other social work job listings, visit the Social Work Career Center today.

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PRACTICE ADVANCES AND SUPPORT
Changes to Ethics
Effective Immediately: A criminal conviction or social work licensure action can affect your NASW membership.
  • Your NASW membership will be revoked if a social work licensing board revokes your license or if you are convicted of a felony.
  • Any other social work licensure action or criminal conviction requires a self report.  Failure to self report within 30 days will result in suspension of membership
To read the approved procedures, click here. For questions on the new procedures, contact the NASW Office of Ethics and Professional Review at 202.408.8600 ext. 231.
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Don’t Miss the Aging in America Conference and Attend the NASW Illinois Chapter-Sponsored Program That Will Focus Specifically on Aging and Social Work – March 15-19, 2010, Chicago, IL: Earn Up to 29 Social Work CEs 

Register now for the largest, multidisciplinary conference on aging and health care in the country, co-sponsored by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the American Society on Aging (ASA). Choose from more than 600 workshops and 200 poster sessions addressing physical health, mental health, multicultural aging, public policy and advocacy, research, intergenerational families, lifelong learning, caregiving, assistive technology, and more. Network with your social work colleagues and meet NASW staff and other social work leaders at a half-day program and peer group lunch, specific to social work and aging. Listen to nationally renowned speakers address critical topics in aging. Visit local aging programs and learn firsthand about their success. Earn up to 29 CEs, approved by NASW.

And don’t miss the half-day program on March 16, presented by the NASW Illinois Chapter and the American Society on Aging (ASA)—with a specific focus on social workers—entitled Aging and Social Work: Where Are We and Where Are We Going? The session will address questions regarding job shortages and how to re-invigorate old roles and create new ones to both address workforce issues and best meet the needs of older adults and their families.

Early registration closes January 31. For more information, visit the 2010 Aging in America NCOA-ASA Conference Web site or call 800.537.9728.
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Hospice Foundation of America’s 2010 National Bereavement Teleconference: Living with Grief: Cancer and End-of-Life Care − March 24, 2010

Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) will broadcast live its 17th Annual National Bereavement Teleconference, Living With Grief®: Cancer and End-of-Life Care, via webcast and satellite, on Wednesday, March 24, 2010.

The 2010 teleconference will address care options related to cancer diagnoses as well as loss and grief reactions for patients, families, and professional caregivers. The conference will also examine psychosocial aspects of cancer, pain management, and ethical issues related to the disease. Yvette Colón, PhD, ACSW, BCD, Director of Education & Support at the American Pain Foundation and NASW member, will be a featured speaker. For more information on the Annual National Bereavement Teleconference and how you can participate, visit the HFA Teleconference Web site.

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LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL ADVOCACY
Protecting America’s Children: We Can Do Better.  Spread the News About NASW’s Advocacy Efforts and Commitment to Helping Improve the Nation’s Child Protection System
We Can Do Better AdNASW is alarmed and concerned by the rising number of child deaths across our nation and is committed to improving the child protection system that is currently stretched too thin. From 2001-2007, 10,440 children died at the hands of their caretakers. In fact, there was a 35 percent increase in child maltreatment deaths during 2001-2007. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the many who have worked countless hours addressing child maltreatment, the U.S. continues to fall short of protecting its youngest citizens. The federal government needs to act.

NASW is collaborating with Every Child Matters, the National Children’s Alliance, and the National District Attorney’s Association to place ads in prominent Washington political papers imploring Congress to stop these deaths.  For more information on the campaign, click here, click on the ad, or visit the Every Child Matters “We Can Do Better” Campaign Web site.

Please contact your Senators and Representatives and ask them to hold hearings on child abuse fatalities, provide emergency funds to stop state cuts to child welfare services, and adopt a national strategy to end child abuse fatalities. Visit the NASW Advocacy Web page to view the entire Action Alert and take action.
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NEW PUBLICATIONS
Upcoming February NASW NEWS

Look for these articles in the upcoming February issue, available soon at NASW NEWS online.
 
Encyclopedia of Social Work From the President: Celebrating 50 years of ACSW
By James J. Kelly, PhD, ACSW, LCSW
This year, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), which is our signature credential. NASW has long supported national recognition for sound professional standards, and this credential has been the cornerstone of NASW’s efforts to ensure high-quality social services for the public. There are currently more than 35,000 social workers certified as members of the Academy nationwide.

Correlation Between Economy, Suicide Emerges
Several major news stories have shed light on a disturbing trend: Suicide rates in some regions have spiked, and the economic recession is being cited as a factor.

While national statistics on suicide lag by three to four years, news sources have conducted their own investigations about the topic. The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, MSNBC and Business Week have published stories in the past year highlighting local data and calls for more support for the newly unemployed or those facing financial devastation. The trend creates special challenges for social workers.

Social Work Congress Focuses on Future of the Profession
Social work leaders from across the country will gather April 21-23, to reaffirm, revisit, and reimagine the profession at the invitation-only 2010 Social Work Congress.

Co-conveners of the congress are NASW, the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors, the Council on Social Work Education and the National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work. NASW Assurance Services Inc. is the presenting sponsor for the invitation-only event, which will include 400 participants and will take place in Washington. Other supporters include the Clinical Social Work Association; the Society for Social Work and Research; the National Association of Black Social Workers; the Association of Social Work Boards; National Network of Social Work Managers; Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education; the Society for Social Work Leadership in Healthcare; and the Association of Oncology Social Work.

Health Care Reform Moves Along in Congress
At NASW News deadline, House and Senate Democratic leadership were negotiating a compromise health care reform bill that includes certain provisions of the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (H.R. 795/S. 686), or SWRA.

As 2009 came to a close, Democrats in both houses of Congress mustered just enough votes to pass health care reform legislation: 220-215 in the House (one Republican, Rep. Ahn "Joseph" Cao, R-LA, voted in favor of the bill) and 60-39 in the Senate.

"NASW is very pleased that both the House and Senate bills contain key provisions which address many of the critical changes we believe are needed to improve the public's health, and, specifically, to start moving towards a system that focuses on keeping people healthy and is affordable for all," NASW Executive Director Elizabeth J. Clark said in a January 11 letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV. Read the letter to congressional leaders in its entirety here. To stay in touch with congressional developments, visit the NASW Health Care Reform Web page for regular updates.
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Inside Children & Schools Journal – January 2010
Social Work journals

New email address? Click here to update your email at the Member Center or call NASW Member Services at 800.742.4089 or 202.408.8600 ext. 499.
The January issue of Children & Schools (Vol. 32, No. 1) covers a range of topics important to social work and social workers, from the needs and opportunities for social work leadership in emergent P-16 initiatives to the social work skill set and positive behavior support. Below is a sampling of what’s inside the issue. Download the table of contents of the January Issue of the Children & Schools Journal here. For information about an online subscription or a combination print and online subscription, please visit NASW Press Journals Online.
• Critical Service Learning: A School Social Work Intervention
By Cassandra McKay
This article advocates the use of critical service learning (CSL) by school social workers to encourage youth activism, which may promote attributes of resilience and social and emotional learning, combating the alienation and lack of bonding to family, school, and community common in youths at risk for violent and antisocial behavior. Various types of CSL projects and barriers to their use, such as adultism, are discussed along with practice implications. 
• An Exploration of the Relationship between Social and Psychological Factors and Being Bullied
By Kirk C. Harlow and Roe Roberts
Results of a survey of over 2,000 sixth, eighth, 10th, and 12th grade students from a school district in Texas and a school district in New Jersey suggest that protective factors associated with alcohol and drug misuse are also associated with bullying victimization. Interventions that strengthen these protective factors may reduce vulnerability of adolescents to victimization by bullying, in addition to reducing drug and alcohol abuse.
• How School Social Workers Integrate Service Opportunities into Multiple Elements of Practice
By Erin Leyba
This study of how school social workers extend service opportunities for students and engage students in service roles indicates that students who participate in service develop more protective and promotive factors such as self-esteem, friendships, and confidence. Integrating youth development principles into school social work practice is suggested as a powerful application of the strengths perspective and an important way to build resiliency.
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NEW Titles from NASW Press on Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs (ATOD) and An Author’s Guide to Social Work Journals
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs, 2nd Edition—NEW Title from NASW Press Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs, 2nd Edition—NEW Title from NASW Press
By Ann Abbott
Do you work with clients that have problems with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD)?  If so, the 2nd edition of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs is the book for you.  This new release prepares new social workers as well as updates seasoned professionals for the new realities and challenges in this specialization.  The misuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs has severe emotional and financial consequences for users, their families, and society.  Ann Abbott and her colleagues present the current state of knowledge related to the understanding, assessment, intervention, and practice evaluation of ATOD.
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An Author’s Guide to Social Work Journals, 5th Edition—NEW Title from NASW Press An Author’s Guide to Social Work Journals, 5th Edition—NEW Title from NASW Press
By NASW Press
Are you a social work writer?  Are you interested in having your work published in journals? NASW Press is proud to announce the release of the reference tool – An Author’s Guide to Social Work Journals, 5th Edition.  The completely updated, go-to reference includes current/previous titles, editorial foci, audiences, submission guidelines, review processes, and contact information for over 200 journals.  Get your copy today and gain valuable insight on how to get your work published.
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MEMBER BENEFITS
The 2010 NASW National Elections Begin in March – Don’t Miss Out on Your Opportunity to Select the Leadership Team that Will Represent You and NASW
The 2010 NASW National elections will begin in March, and voting preparations for NASW National Board of Directors and Regional Leadership positions are underway.  To see the full slate of candidates, click here. To vote in the NASW National elections using your personalized electronic ballot, your membership must be active and your e-mail current.  Familiarize yourself with the candidates, and don’t miss out on your opportunity to select the leadership team that will represent you and NASW. 
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Learn How to Avoid Ethical Complaints, Licensing Board Violations, and Malpractice Lawsuits – Protect Yourself
ASI Logo Did you know that you can learn how to avoid ethical complaints, licensing board violations, and malpractice lawsuits AND receive the continuing education credits you need to keep your license? The ASI Education Center offers risk management workshops, sponsored by NASW Assurance Services and co-sponsored by NASW Chapters and other hosts.  Workshop presenters are social workers trained in the latest malpractice risk management techniques.  Protect yourself and your ability to practice social work by participating in a local risk management workshop (3.0 CEs) or in one or both of the online WebEd courses (2.0 CEs) on ethics and malpractice.
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Protect Yourself, Your Livelihood, and Your Future Ability to Help Others
ASI Logo As a social worker, you’re exposed to many potential malpractice lawsuits.  Even a groundless claim can jeopardize your reputation and ability to practice. NASW Assurance Services’ Professional Liability Insurance allows you to tailor flexible coverage options to meet your specific needs. This program insures thousands of social workers worldwide. It’s perfect for independent contractors, private practitioners, exclusively-employed individuals, partnerships, corporations, schools, students, and more.  Apply now with no risk. For additional information, call 800.421.6694 or visit NASW Assurance Services today.
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PUBLIC EDUCATION
SocialWorkersSpeak! Conducts Exclusive Interview with Writer of the New Film, To Save a Life, A Drama Addressing Issues Affecting Teens
On January 14, SocialWorkersSpeak! landed an exclusive interview with writer James Britt, screenwriter of the new drama, To Save a Life, which premiered across the nation on January 22. The movie addresses suicide, pregnancy, peer pressure and other issues social workers help teenagers handle. Britt talked to social workers about why the movie is a must-see—for teenagers, in particular—and has the potential to save thousands of lives; his inspiration for writing the film; and why he thinks social workers are so important to teens. Visit SocialWorkersSpeak.org to read the interview, and leave your thoughts and comments about the movie. To learn more about how social workers help teenagers overcome life challenges, visit NASW’s HelpStartsHere Youth Development Web page.
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NASW Member and Biggest Loser Contestant Shay Sorrells Wants to Talk with Fellow Social Workers About Healthy Living
social workers speak Former The Biggest Loser contestant and social worker Shay Sorrells, MSW, wants to reach out to social workers about her weight loss, career, and how social workers help clients maintain healthier lifestyles.  Shay was the heaviest contestant on the program when she competed during the eighth season, weighing in at 467 pounds. During the season, she shed 170 pounds and, in addition to improving her health, she has a major incentive to lose more. Visit SocialWorkersSpeak! to read more about Shay Sorrells’ new challenge, and tell us what you think about her story. Social workers often help people improve health and adopt better eating habits. For more information, visit NASW’s HelpStartsHere Eating Disorders and Healthy Lifestyles Web pages.
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National Healthcare Decisions Day 2010 Is April 16, 2010 – Get Involved Now and Join the Effort to Highlight the Importance of Advance Healthcare Decision Making
NASW, along with other national, state, and community organizations, is joining a massive effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision making—an effort that has culminated in the formal designation of April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD). NHDD will leverage participant organizations’ efforts and commitment to increase the benefits of advance care planning; rally a national media campaign; and mobilize national, state, and community organizations, healthcare providers, and other key stakeholders to initiate outreach and other educational opportunities.

NHDD organizers are asking interested organizations and individuals throughout the country to help raise awareness about the importance of advance care planning on this special day—and throughout the year. To help realize this goal, NHDD created a Web site with information and tools for the public to talk about future healthcare decisions and execute written advance directives (e.g., healthcare power of attorney and living wills) in accordance with their applicable state laws. The Web site also includes tips on how advocates can raise awareness in their communities. Visit the National Healthcare Decisions Day Web site today for more information on how you can join the campaign and get involved. Your decisions matter.
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Wear Your Social Worker Pin with Pride: Support the NASW Foundation’s Public Education Campaign and Spread the Message About Our Profession to the Public
Social Work Pins Celebrate your education and experience, and help tell the Social Work story. Your support for the NASW Foundation’s National Social Work Public Education Campaign helps us educate the media, policymakers, employers, social workers, and the public about the importance of the social work profession. Contribute to the campaign today and receive a complimentary professional social worker pin.  Donors of $25 - $49 will receive a silver-plated Professional Social Worker pin in appreciation. Donors of $50 or more will receive a gold-plated Professional Social Worker pin. Please allow two weeks for delivery. Wear your pin with pride.To learn more about the Social Work Public Education Campaign and why and how you can get involved, visit the NASW Foundation Web site.
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