Resources Help Social Workers Understand Policies and Cuts to Government Programs
By Paul R. Pace
NASW has produced two new resources to help keep members informed about top social work policies, and to offer them the opportunity to take action in response to cuts to government programs that support social workers and their clients.
The first is the NASW Blueprint of Public Policy Priorities for the 119th Congress. It aims to elevate social work while addressing national challenges. The document outlines federal policy advancements to support social workers, protect vulnerable communities, and promote equity and justice. It is available at socialworkers.org/advocacy/policy-issues.
The Blueprint has two primary sections: investing in the social work profession and investing in children and families, says NASW Chief of Programs Barbara Bedney, PhD, MSW.
“The document outlines federal policy priorities that advance the social work profession and the health and well-being of children and families, and promotes partnership and engagement in the public policy arena,” she said. The Blueprint also is a way to let people know what the association is advocating for, and to invite people to participate with NASW with suggested action items.
The priorities for investing in social work include advocating for equitable reimbursement; leveraging and protecting the workforce from artificial intelligence, or AI; protecting social work safety; and safeguarding student loan debt relief.
The investing in children and families section includes ensuring access to affordable child care; expanding access to tax credits; improving access to telemental health services; and strengthening child welfare services.
Stronger Together
The second recently released resource is the Stronger Together Resource and Action Center, at socialworkers.org/advocacy/social-justice/stronger-together-resource-and-action-center.
This continually updated webpage provides social workers with accurate and up-to-date information about the Trump administration’s actions against federal agencies and the implications for individuals, families and social workers. The center also offers resources to help social workers advocate for themselves and their clients. It includes action alerts, career resources, and other materials.
Bedney said the center has been created amid government mandates and proposed cutbacks to federal agencies, particularly in the health and human services field.
“These agencies provide incredibly important services to our populations, such older adults and people with disabilities,” she said. The agencies also support veterans, marginalized communities, and people living with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
“These (cuts) are workforce issues, but they also impact social work values,” Bedney said. “In many ways, we’ve been leading these agencies and helping to build these agencies. It is part of social work history. They are being dismantled as we speak.”