Social Work Advocates Magazine

The NASW Pennsylvania Chapter attended the 38th Annual Conference for the National Institute for Social Work and Human Services in Rural Areas in July at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. Abigail Hurst, director of policy and communication at the chapter, said about 150 people traveled from across the country to the event, where the theme was “Community, Commitment and Tradition.” Members ... Read More »

By Rena Malai, News staff The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT project has released its annual data book, which provides a picture of the well-being of children in the United States. The book can be a useful tool for NASW members, said NASW Senior Practice Associate Roxana Meruvia Torrico. “KIDS COUNT shows the latest data in a range of ... Read More »

By Paul R. Pace, News staff NASW has issued a social justice brief regarding President Obama’s nominations to the D.C. Circuit Court in June. Mel Wilson, manager of the NASW Department of Social Justice and Human Rights, authored the brief, titled “President Obama Nominates Three to the D.C. Circuit Court: Why Should Social Workers Care?” Wilson points out that Obama’s ... Read More »

By Rena Malai, News staff The National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging has developed talking points to ensure that older adults’ mental health is included in the national Community Conversations on Mental Health. NASW is a member of the coalition. The talking points are important, because older adults’ mental health is often under addressed in discussions about aging and ... Read More »

By Paul R. Pace, News staff NASW was once again a co-sponsor of the Circle of Life awards, which honor and celebrate innovation in palliative and end-of-life care. Other sponsors of the July award ceremony in San Diego were the American Hospital Association, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, National Hospice Foundation and the Catholic Health Association. The award winners ... Read More »

By Paul R. Pace, News staff The NASW Legal Defense Fund has updated NASW’s sample forms and information materials that highlight the latest rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued the 2013 Omnibus HIPAA Final Rule in January. At press time, enforcement of the rule was set ... Read More »

By Rena Malai, News staff NASW’s new president-elect Darrell Wheeler has been part of the organization for more than 27 years, and has served in many aspects, he said. He was on the NASW-Pennsylvania board of directors, the NASW-New York board of directors, and was Region II representative and vice president to the NASW national board. Wherever Wheeler has lived, ... Read More »

By Paul R. Pace, News staff In recent years, great strides have been made in federal legislation to aid those experiencing the effects of domestic violence. While there is still room for improvement, social workers remain key players in helping domestic abuse victims and survivors both personally and through continuing advocacy efforts. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it ... Read More »

By Rena Malai, News staff Washington, D.C.’s National Mall vibrated with energy on Aug. 24 as tens of thousands of people from across the U.S. gathered to celebrate the “National Action to Realize the Dream,” the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. NASW members and staff were among those who attended the march, and ... Read More »

By Paul R. Pace, News staff Adobe Systems is a California software company known for popular software products like Photoshop and Illustrator, but it also has a hand in helping social workers and caseworkers simplify their job duties. Adobe recently teamed up with NASW’s Specialty Practice Sections to host a webinar to seek social workers’ input on the next generation ... Read More »