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Child and Adolescent Practice Area 2025 Annual Accomplishments

April Ferguson, LCSW-C, Senior Practice Associate

February 2026

During 2025, NASW worked to support children, youth, and families (CYF) through training and resource development, strategic partnership with national coalitions, advocacy efforts with policy partners, and highlighting the important work of CYF. Activities included but were not limited to the following:

Q1: January, February, March

  • Navigating Policy Changes Related to Schools and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
    A new Tips and Tools document was prepared to help social workers understand rule changes related to Immigration and Custom Enforcement at schools. This document along with a resource from NASW legal defense fund, provided support to help social workers navigate changes related to immigration enforcement. In addition, a webinar was released and addressed support for immigration communities.
  • Presentation to Graduate Students
    NASW staff hosted MSW students at the national office and students discussed career opportunities in social work. Regarding CYF social work, students discussed advocacy efforts in child welfare and data sources from child welfare agencies to inform practice.
  • Practice Standards
    NASW develops Practice Standards and Guidelines for the profession. Two standards of practice for CYF social workers are Practice Standards for School Social Workers and Standards for Social Work Practice in Child Welfare. The Practice Standards for School Social Workers were published in January 2025. All 50 State Departments of Education were notified of standards availability during Social Work Month. The Standards for Social Work Practice in Child Welfare are under review by a nine-person committee. The committee meets monthly and is working towards a draft release for a public comment period

Q2: April, May, June

  • Child Abuse Prevention Month
    The Practice Team recognized Child Abuse Prevention Month and planned a successful event that engaged members and staff. NASW staff and members wore blue in solidarity with advocates and stakeholders that support the prevention of child maltreatment, so all children have safe and loving homes free from abuse and neglect. A Tips and Tools was also published.
  • National Foster Care Month
    The Practice Team recognized National Foster Care Month and published a Tips and Tools document that highlighted the importance of support for youth aging out of care.
  • Champion of Change Participation 
    The Practice Team applied for funding through the American Public Health Association (APHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The practice team was awarded $5005 to implement a project that addresses adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), overdose, and suicide prevention. A poster presentation and breakout session were developed and delivered at the NASW 2025 National Conference. Attendees engaged in discussions and were encouraged to scan a QR code that provided more resources via email. Attendees were also encouraged to consider participating in the next cohort of the project to include the social work perspective in the public health sector and to develop innovative preventions in their communities. The Practice Team also posted a new Tips and Tools document to guide social workers in leading ACEs prevention in their communities.
  • Association of Professionals Solving the Abuse of Children (APSAC) Colloquium Exhibit 
    The practice team exhibited at the 2025 APSAC colloquium and highlighted CYF resources available from NASW. The exhibit provided an opportunity to connect directly with practitioners and decision-makers and build meaningful partnerships.

Q3: July, August, September

  • Stronger Together Presentation
    The Practice Team is a part of a coalition of child welfare professionals and advocates that navigate rapidly evolving national policies that impact children and families. NASW presented “ Social Workers Responding to Challenging Times.” This presentation highlighted the Stronger Together Resource and social workers’ continued commitment to social justice and ethical practices.
  • Back to School with Social Workers: Advocacy and Recognition 
    This year’s Back to School Campaign focused on the many NASW resources available to school social workers. Most recently NASW updated the Practice Standards for School Social Workers and hard copies are available through the NASW press. NASW also recognized and thanked the many school social workers that work in the field every day.
  • Navigating Mandated Reporting Challenges: Cultural and Ethical Considerations 
    NASW provided a mandated reporting training to school social workers in Tennessee. This training was also featured at the School Social Work Association of America pre-conference. The training covers the definitions of child abuse and neglect and teaches professionals how to navigate common challenges related to reporting. Mandated reporting training courses are still available in person and virtually for conferences and webinars. Please contact aferguson.nasw@socialworkers.org for requests.

Q4: October, November, December 

  • The 2025 NASW Fall Virtual Forum
    The Practice Team assisted in planning the 2025 NASW Virtual Forum. The theme was Compassionate Innovation: Social Work and Technology. The forum brought together experts to discuss advancements in training, Artificial Intelligence and online safety. Three sessions covered advancements in CYF social work; Innovations in Child Welfare Education Through Virtual Reality, Navigating Early Childhood Media Use with the 5 Cs Framework, Online Safety Trends and Resources: What You Should Know .
  • Social Work Talks: Strengthening Community- Social Workers at the YMCA
    The Practice Team coordinated and hosted Episode 134 of social work talks which explores social work roles at the YMCA. The YMCA seemed like a non-traditional setting for social work practice, but this podcast demonstrated how the YMCA’s mission and the social work profession are aligned. In addition, this episode explores community resources that support children, adolescents, their families, and the larger community.
  • An Overview of Military Youth and Families: How Social Workers Help
    The Practice Team prepared a new practice perspective at the end of the year in recognition of several important observances, Veteran’s Day, National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Wreaths Across America Day. Social workers support the military community, and this practice perspective raises awareness of the unique experiences of military connected children, youth, and families and the essential role social workers play in supporting their well-being, resilience, and transitions.

Looking Forward to 2026

Throughout the year, NASW advanced (CYF) social work through practice guidance, professional education, public awareness, and cross-sector collaboration. In 2026, children and adolescent matters will continue to be a focus of the practice team with the goal to support CYF social work. There will be a sustained commitment to the development of resources that address learning needs and respond to the changing field of social work.

Resources

2026 NASW National Conference
https://www.socialworkers.org/Events/NASW-Conferences

Children, Adolescents and Young Adults (CAYA) Specialty Practice Section
https://www.socialworkers.org/careers/specialty-practice-sections/Children-adolescents-and-young-adults

Child Welfare Specialty Practice Section
https://www.socialworkers.org/careers/specialty-practice-sections/child-welfare

Practice: Child Welfare
https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Child-Welfare

Practice: School Social Work
https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/School-Social-Work

School Social Work Specialty Practice Section
https://www.socialworkers.org/careers/specialty-practice-sections/School-Social-Work