WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) today released its 2021 Blueprint of Federal Social Policy Priorities that articulates meaningful actions the Biden-Harris Administration and Congress should take to address the COVID-19 crisis, promote mental and behavioral health, eliminate systemic racism and ensure civil and human rights for all.
“As an essential workforce in providing mental, behavioral and social needs care, and as long-time champions of social justice, our profession has a keen understanding of the social policy challenges we face as a country and how to address them,” said NASW CEO Angelo McClain, PhD, LICSW. “We are thrilled with the swift executive actions the Biden administration has taken, many of which are issue areas in our Blueprint. We are eager to roll up our sleeves and work with the Biden team and Congress to propel these and other actions forward to help create an America as good as its ideals.”
The Blueprint’s 21 issue areas are organized according to the Grand Challenges for Social Work, a research-informed social policy agenda, developed by the social work profession, to address our society’s most pressing social problems. NASW’s Blueprint is a roadmap for social progress and reflects social work’s best thinking on the pathway to a more just and equitable society.
Priority issue areas include, among others:
- COVID-19 recovery
- Supporting the essential social work workforce
- Eliminating systemic racism
- Ensuring access to health, mental health and behavioral health services
- Addressing economic inequality and promoting financial asset building
- Preventing violence
- Reforming criminal justice and policing
“Social workers look forward to partnering with the Biden-Harris administration and congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to achieve an inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, build our economy back better for all Americans, and advance the well-being of individuals, families and society,” said NASW President Mildred “Mit” Joyner, DPS, MSW, LCSW.