Research on the effects of cannabis use is limited, despite the fact it is cited as the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. As the country moves toward legalizing cannabis on a federal level, social workers and other experts are issuing a wake-up call about its potential dangers.
Violence, or the threat of violence, has become a fact of school life instead of a hypothetical. For that to change, the adults in students’ lives—including social workers in schools and in the community—need to find the resources to make a difference.
This specialty practice area is the intersection of social work practice and the legal system, both criminal and civil. Many social workers encounter forensics within their scope of practice without even realizing it. Criminal defense, child custody issues, juvenile and adult justice, corrections, and mandated treatment all fall within the realm of forensic social work.
NASW President Yvonne Chase cites several historical references that show how history is repeating itself in the Trump administration's policies of exclusion and oppression.
NASW Chief of Programs Barbara Bedney outlines opportunities to advance the profession while facing the challenges ahead.
Social workers Mia Ocean and Debbie Raucher remind us that we can enact social justice every day—in big and small ways—and that complicity is not an option.
The association already has issued a news release saying it will fight policies that harm immigrants, women, people of color, people who are LGBTQIA2S+ or other vulnerable populations.
"Mental Health Matters: Working with Children, Youth, and Families” explored best practices and strategies to enhance the leadership roles of social workers in this area.
Military social work education and research aim to support active military members and veterans, with a focus on understanding their culture and language.
NASW members quoted in media stories discuss the topics of hurricane disaster response; running for political office; access to mental health services; leveraging natural positivity responses in the brain; negativity bias; and meeting the needs of caregivers.
"Seeing an intervention work after many ineffectual attempts; the beauty of a site honoring a resident who passed away; a staff member stepping out of their comfort zone—the list is long on the micro level,” Pagotto says. “At the macro level, I’m very proud to have introduced core values to guide our practice.”
In addition to her work in elected office, Crafts is an outpatient therapist. She finds the balance of clinical work with macro to be incredibly rewarding. “Every day my brain is doing very different work, which I love."
Cyberattack Shines Spotlight on Health Care System's Inefficiencies
The current mental health care system’s inefficiencies have escalated provider burnout, compelling some social workers to opt out from insurance networks.
Mediation in Dispute Cases Helps Avoid Emotional, Financial Toll of Court
A study found that after litigation, plaintiffs were more pessimistic about the future, used poor strategies for protecting their health, and had less empahty.
School Social Workers Link Home, School and Community
One way to work toward promoting the need for more school social workers is to start by connecting—both locally and nationally—with other school social work professionals.
Reimbursement Available for Safety Planning and Follow-up Interventions
Establishment of these payment services will help address increases in suicides and overdoses.
American Cancer Society Event Aims to Advance Patient Navigation
The goal is to achieve health equity across the cancer continuum.
Summit Raises Awareness About Sickle Cell Disease
The first-ever event focused on SCD marked a milestone in ongoing efforts to raise awareness and enhance care for people affected by the disease.
NASW Provides Comments on Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging
The framework paves the way for a coordinated effort to create a national set of recommendations for advancing age-inclusive communities and well-being for all of us as we age.
NASW Provides Open Enrollment Guide
The publication includes information social workers can use throughout 2025 to help Medicare beneficiaries understand and navigate changes to Medicare coverage and out-of- pocket costs.
NASW Chapters Engage Resources in Response to Hurricanes, Flooding
North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida chapters support members, communities after destruction from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in late 2024.
Chapter Briefs
Updates from NASW New York, Nevada, Massachusetts, and Texas
Twenty-Five Social Workers Join the Ranks of NASW Pioneers
The new Pioneers were recognized during the NASW Foundation's annual program, held in October in Washington, D.C.
Board Member Found Her Calling in Social Work
Dafna Berman, Region VIII director on the NASW national board, says she has always held NASW in high regard.
Chapter Leader Mixes Law Enforcement, Academia With Social Work Career
Michael J. Alicea, president of NASW-Florida, pursued social work while working as a full-time police officer.
Guidebook Offers Advice for Social Workers at all Career Stages
The text can help readers identify career-defining moments that social workers can be proud of, and that help differentiate themselves from their colleagues.
Hands-on Experience in Diverse Settings Can Enhance Cultural Competence, Responsiveness
"Social Work Field Instruction in Modern Practice: A Handbook" integrates practical field education and equips social work field instructors and students with the necessary tools to navigate complex community, family and individual dynamics.
Editor's Note
While some tout the medical benefits of cannabis, others point to the lack of research into the physical and mental effects the drug can have on users.
NASW Addresses Needs of California Wildifre Victims
"Your work is critical, providing hope and support to individuals and families navigating unimaginable loss and uncertainty," NASW CEO Anthony Estreet said during an online town hall hosted by NASW-California.
Laken Riley Act Further Enables Mass Deportations of Migrants
NASW had urged Congress to vote no on the bill, which will make accusations—not just convictions—of minor andnonviolent crimes deportable offenses. President Trump signed the bill into law on Jan. 29.
Birth Defects Awareness Month Promotes Safe Pregnancies
Social workers were asked to share a key message during January: For a healthy pregnancy, it is safest to avoid alcohol, smoking and other recreational drugs.
Association Honors Legacy of President Jimmy Carter
Carter, who died on Dec. 29, 2024, at 100 years old, was a champion of human rights and social justice.
Advocates Extra is a biweekly publication from NASW that informs readers about issues important to the social work profession.
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