Fall Issue 2024

SPS Mental Health: AI Technology Must Include Socioethical Considerations

"The possibility exists for AI to lead to bad decisions and wrong treatment options; this should be avoided at all costs. Therefore, the client’s understanding and consent on the matter of AI are essential,” says Chen Chen, LCSW, chair of the NASW Mental Health Specialty Practice Section.

SPS Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs: Research on Continued Treatment for Substance Use Disorder is Lacking, Authors Find

“The most significant piece that the literature brings forth is the overwhelming need for peer support specialists in treatment programs,” write the authors of an article in an SPS Section Connection newsletter for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs.

School Social Workers Can Help Address, Prevent Violence as Part of Threat Assessment Teams

Creating a multidisciplinary team is the first step in addressing school violence, says an NASW Practice Perspective.

NASW Advocates for Social Workers, Medicare Beneficiaries in Comments to CMS

Advocacy topics include telehealth, caregiver training, services for health-related social needs, care management, reimbursement rates and more.

Standard Occupational Classification Manual Seeks Public Review; NASW Provides Input

The SOC classifies all occupations where work is performed for pay or profit. NASW provided comments on social Work occupations.

NASW Chapters Work to Combat Voter Intimidation and Restriction Efforts

Texas, Wisconsin and Ohio chapter leaders discuss various tactics to restrict voting in their states—and how they are working to combat those tactics.

Chapter Briefs

Updates from NASW Wisconsin, Washington, Kansas, and Pennsylvania

NASW Foundation Names 2024 Lyons, Barron, Gosnell Scholarship Recipients

The NASW Foundation's scholarship program helps support the next generation of social work leaders.

From Internship to President, New Jersey Member Has Active History With Chapter

Carrie Conger, MSW, LSW, has served on every chapter committee in some capacity, including the Continuing Education Conference Committee, and committees involving ethics, diversity, legislation and Political Action for Candidate Election, or PACE.

Massachusetts’ Social Work Advocacy Efforts Inspire Chapter President

Yvonne Ruiz, PhD, MSW, MA, LICSW, says she is proud of the way the chapter leads in diversity and equity initiatives.

Self-Care Book Uses Cognitive Approach to Occupational Stress Management

Authors say they wanted to "dive into the meaning of self-care with the idea that it is more than an add-on activity and can be conceptualized as a state of mind." They also wanted to "explore actions that social service organizations can take to promote employee self-care and wellness.”

Social Workers Must Consider Environmental Factors as a Leading Cause of Elder Suicide

Clinical social workers have a mindset that "embraces Émile Durkheim’s position which is unlike that of other types of psychotherapists. Durkheim’s suicide fits like a hand-in-glove for clinical social workers,” says the book's author, Stephen M. Marson, PhD, professor emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Editor's Note

One in five American homicide victims dies at the hand of an intimate partner, according to the CDC. Our cover story focuses on the different types of abusers and the various methods they may use to abuse. A separate feature article on veterans suicide prevention says 17 veterans die by suicide every day. Learn about social work roles in helping to prevent these tragedies, and in working with veterans' families and other caregivers.

NASW Vows to Support Vulnerable Populations in Trump Administration

NASW is troubled by statements Trump has made regarding immigrants, women, people who are LGBTQIA2S+, and people of color—and says it will challenge any of his policies that harm these populations.

NASW CEO Highlights Mental Health Needs at Democratic National Convention

Anthony Estreet, NASW's CEO, also discussed social work roles in economic justice and the opioid crisis.

Bipartisan Substance Use Disorder Bill Aims to Help Address Mental Health Crisis

The legislation would help increase the nation's mental health and behavioral health workforce.

Wisconsin Rep. Mark Pocan Meets With NASW Leaders to Discuss Legislation

Rep. Pocan is co-founder and co-chair of the House Labor Caucus and chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus.

Shooting Death of Sonya Massey Calls for Transparent Investigation, Accountability

“Once again, we are shocked, saddened and appalled by an incident in which an unarmed person of color—within her own home—has died tragically at the hands of a police officer, someone she called on for protection,” said NASW CEO Anthony Estreet.