May is National Foster Care Month, a time to raise awareness on the plight of children and youth in the foster care system. There are approximately 424,000 in foster care because their own families are in crisis and are unable to provide for their essential well-being. Nearly 30,000 young people age out of the foster care system each year. Social workers play critical roles in the lives of all of these vulnerable children... 

NASW is pleased to announce that NASW Press with its publishing partner, Oxford University Press, is in the process of updating the Encyclopedia of Social Work, 20th edition—the definitive social work resource and an essential tool for all who study, teach, or practice social work. The Encyclopedia covers over 400 topics in four volumes, yet—because of the incredible work that social workers do across the United States... 

In observation of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (May 17, 2011), US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a public statement, and a Capitol Hill briefing sponsored by the Global Forum on MSM and HIV (MSMGF) was held in collaboration with Co-Chairs of the congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee. The National Association of Social Workers Senior Policy Associate,... 

Thanks to our Advocates, NASW Advocacy Days Were a Success NASW is pleased to announce that our virtual advocacy days were a great success! Hundreds of social workers from across the country contacted their Senators and Representatives in support of the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (S. 584/H.R. 1106). At the same time, NASW Board members, Chapter Executive Directors, and Presidents... 

This month, NASW Executive Director, Betsy Clark, focused her NASW News column on “The Challenge of Sadness in Social Work.” Dr. Clark discusses the turmoil, tragedy, and unrest in the world including wars, earthquakes, and tsunamis. She notes that every significant world event is accompanied by indelible images, some of which are horrific and forever etched in our memories such as the collapse of the World Trade... 

The National Institute of Senior Centers announces its twentieth annual Research Award to recognize outstanding research in the senior center field. Submission deadline is by close of business day Friday, May 27, 2011. Only research published after January 1, 2009-including journal articles, dissertations, books, and other research documents — pertaining to the administration, operation, or programming of senior... 

Survey Open to Case Managers until May 15, 2011 NASW invites social work case managers working in hospitals and health plans to participate in a survey that will inform the development of caseload calculator software. This software builds on the Caseload Concept Paper and Matrix, published by NASW and the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) in 2008. The software will be available, free of charge, to all NASW members... 

Getting Covered is a campaign to inform young adults and their families about the provision in the new health care law that allows young adults to stay on their parents’ health insurance plans until age 26. This provision is important. It has the potential to cover over 2 million of our nation’s 18.9 million uninsured young adults. And it will not add a single dollar to state or federal budgets. Getting Covered... 

In April 2011, the NASW HIV/AIDS Spectrum Project held a Training of Trainers (TOT) for fifteen social workers from around the United States.   TOT graduates are ready to present workshops in their own communities addressing two areas: 1)      medication adherence, with HIV/AIDS as a case study; and 2)      clients with HIV and mental health diagnoses and/or substance abuse. The goal of the HIV/AIDS Spectrum... 

NASW Exec. Dir. Betsy Clark discusses the important role of social workers in our nation on the Anita Estell Show. Visit www.anitaestellblog.com to Listen: “This week on the Anita Estell Show:  With returning veterans, aging baby boomers, child welfare, demands placed on families, hospitals and schools, there is a growing need for social workers. Please join me  for a conversation with Dr. Elizabeth...