Tips and Tools for Social Workers

In 1963 President John F. Kennedy established the annual observance of Older Americans Month, which is celebrated each May. As of this writing, many federal policies, programs, and structures that support health and well-being as we age are at risk of elimination or drastic alteration by the Trump Administration and the Republican-dominated Congress. This publication provides outlines the history of and current threats to some of these policies, programs, and structures. It concludes with advocacy in which we can engage, as social workers, to preserve publicly funded and administered programs that help all of as we age.

Happy National Women’s Health Week! Social workers can participate by making sure clients know about alcohol’s unique health risks for women, including breast cancer and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Learn more about these risks and how to talk about alcohol use with clients in this new NASW Social Work Blog post.

During the month of May, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) observes Mental Health Awareness Month. This annual observance honors the millions of individuals affected by mental health conditions across the United States where approximately one in five adults will experience a diagnosable mental health condition each year.

May is National Foster Care Month and NASW recognizes the work social workers do to secure permanent placement and help young people age out of foster care.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has received inquiries from clinical social workers (CSWs) who are experiencing delayed reimbursements and administrative burdens from TRICARE, the Department of Defense’s health care program that serves active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, and their families.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) acknowledges April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. This is a time to recognize the role social workers play in supporting prevention efforts. A key to prevention is strengthening families by increasing family protective factors and reducing risk. According to the CDC definition, “Protective factors are characteristics that may decrease the likelihood of experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACES).” ACEs include child abuse and neglect, violence and other harmful occurrences.