News
The budget reconciliation act passed
by Congressional Republicans on July 3 and signed into law by President Trump
on July 4 (infamously known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”) will harm all
of us as we age. This edition of NASW’s
Tips & Tools for Social Workers provides
a brief overview of the federal budgeting process and outlines how the law
decreases older adults’ access to Medicaid, the Health Insurance Marketplace,
Medicare, long-term services and supports (LTSS), and the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—disproportionately affecting older
immigrants and refugees—while weakening Social Security and other public
programs.
Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion on How to Have Positive Discourse During Challenging Times
Tuesday, December 16 (3 – 4 pm ET)
Sponsored by the NASW Social and Economic Justice & Peace Committee and open to all NASW members. 2025 is coming to an end, and at times, it has been a challenging year. Diversity is a negative term, hurtful speech is rampant, finger pointing is daily, and many negative "isms" are alive and well. Despite these challenging times, the NASW Code of Ethics reminds us in 105 (b) & (c) "that social workers must take action against oppression, racism, discrimination, and inequities, and acknowledge personal privilege," and "holding institutions accountable for advancing cultural humility." Given these responsibilities, how can we lead positive discourse with our agencies, leaders, peers, and clients? Please join the Social & Economic Justice & Peace committee for an hour-long live webinar discussion on how to lead positive discourse.
Register in advance LIVE meeting only:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ap7r_rQ6QqWDO6FbxArEZQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
For information purpose only, No CEs will be issued. Panel discussion will be recorded as made available.
Upcoming
SPS Webinars
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (1 – 2:30 pm ET)
Presenter: Tara D. Wallace, EdD, LSCSW, CTF-CBT/PSB
CEs: 1.5 Social Work Contact Hours
Participants will examine how environmental injustice is rooted in structural racism, economic inequity, and policy failures, and what we can do about it.
Whether you’re in direct practice, community organizing, education, or policy, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to center equity, promote resilience, and contribute to a more just and sustainable future.
- Define climate justice and its relevance to social work practice.
- Explain how environmental harms disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
- Analyze the intersection of climate change, trauma, and social determinants of health.
- Identify strategies for climate-informed and justice-oriented advocacy.
Cost: SPS Members: Free / Non-SPS NASW Members: $20 / Non-NASW Member: $40
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (1 – 2:30 pm ET)
Presenter: Paul Thomas Clements, PhD, RN, AFN-C, ANEF, DF-IAFN, DF-AFN
CEs: 1.5 Social Work contact hours
This presentation provides a comprehensive exploration of filicide—cases in which mothers kill their children—through real-world examples, statistical data, and psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. It examines the multiple categories of filicide, including altruistic motives, psychosis-driven acts, unwanted children, accidental fatalities, and spouse-revenge cases, offering insight into the diversity of underlying causes. For social workers, the presentation underscores the importance of recognizing early warning signs such as maternal isolation, postpartum depression or psychosis, and family or community stressors. It also explores assessment challenges, including “splitting” behaviors and stigma surrounding mental illness, that can hinder effective intervention. The material emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration—linking social workers, healthcare providers, and mental health professionals—to develop coordinated prevention and intervention strategies. Ultimately, it equips social workers with a deeper understanding of risk assessment, family dynamics, and safety planning to better protect vulnerable children and support at-risk families.
Objectives:
- Risk Identification and Assessment – Social workers will be able to recognize key psychological, social, and behavioral warning signs associated with filicide risk, including postpartum mental health crises, family stressors, and patterns of isolation, to inform early intervention strategies.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Social workers will be able to apply best practices for collaborating with healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and child protection agencies to develop coordinated safety and prevention plans for at-risk families.
- Trauma-Informed Support and Advocacy – Social workers will be able to integrate trauma-informed principles when working with mothers, families, and children affected by filicide risk, ensuring both prevention efforts and post-crisis interventions address psychological, social, and systemic needs
Cost: SPS Members: Free / Non-SPS NASW Members: $25 / Non-NASW Member: $40
Thursday, December 11, 2025 (1 – 2 pm ET)
Presenter: Emerson Grey VSW, MSW
CEs: 1 Social Work contact hours
Social Workers serve a critical role with animals in the court system, especially in cases of domestic violence and animal cruelty. Their roles include acting as a Courtroom Animal Advocate (CAPS) to monitor cases, review records, and providing recommendations to the court. They also provide crucial support for families involved with animals during legal proceedings. Animals also assist victims in court by providing emotional support. The dogs help vulnerable witnesses, such as children, sexual assault victims, and people with disabilities, feel calm and secure while testifying or preparing for legal proceedings.
Objectives:
- Learn how social workers can assist their clients with animals in order to help vulnerable witnesses, and victims by providing emotional regulation in court
- Learn how animals can aid a social worker’s clients in legal proceedings, domestic violence cases, and animal cruelty cases
- Understand legal status, court guidelines, dog certification, and legal precedent
Cost: SPS Members: Free / Non-SPS NASW Members: $25 / Non-NASW Member: $35
Friday, January 23, 2026 (1 – 2 pm ET)
Presenters: Marina Badillo-Diaz, DSW, LCSW; Brittannee C Jones, LMSW; Kashera Guy Robinson, DSW, LICSW
CEs: 1 Ethics contact hour
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming human services and social work practice, creating new challenges and opportunities across micro, mezzo, and macro levels. This webinar brings together three professionals to discuss the ethical considerations, diverse perspectives, and emerging practices related to AI in social work.
Presenters will share real-world examples of how AI is being used in clinical, community, and organizational settings, and consider its impact on client well-being, confidentiality, and equity. Participants will explore strategies for integrating AI tools responsibly into practice while maintaining professional standards and values. The session will also provide a space to critically reflect on how AI intersects with advocacy, policy, collaboration, and systemic change.
Attendees will leave with resources, practical insights, and critical questions to guide their own engagement with AI in social work.
Objectives:
- Examine different perspectives on the role of artificial intelligence in social work, including opportunities, risks, and diverse practitioner viewpoints.
- Identify ethical considerations and challenges associated with integrating artificial intelligence into social work practice.
- Apply strategies for responsibly incorporating AI tools into social work while maintaining professional values, confidentiality, and equity.
Cost: SPS Members: Free / Non-SPS NASW Members: $25 / Non-NASW Member: $35
Meet Social Workers like you with MyNASW
If you are an SPS member, you are already a member of at least one of these MyNASW online communities and can participate now:
Children, Youth and Schools
For members of the child welfare; children, adolescents, and young adults; and school social work Specialty Practice Sections
Clinical Social Work, Aging, and Health
For
members of the aging; alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; health; mental
health; and private practice Specialty Practice Sections
Social Justice, Administration, and Courts
For
members of the administration/supervision; social and economic justice
& peace; and social work and the courts Specialty Practice Sections