Although the National Institute on Aging predicts 70,000 social workers will be needed by 2020, a study by the NASW Center for Workforce Studies found that only 9% of licensed social workers in the United States identify aging as their primary practice area. A 2008 report of the Institute of Medicine underscored the need for gerontological social work education and training.

The John A. Hartford Foundation responded to this shortage by developing the Geriatric Social Work Initiative (GSWI) in 2000. GSWI uses several strategies to promote social work expertise in aging:

• Funding and career development support for junior faculty members
• Dissertation grants and professional development opportunities to doctoral students
• Infusion of gerontological content in social work curricula
• Advanced field placements for students specializing in aging

The John A. Hartford Foundation’s 2009 annual report celebrates the 10^th anniversary of GSWI and is devoted solely to this social work program. Visit www.jhartfound.org/pdf%20files/JAHF_2009_Annual_Report.pdf to read the report and www.jhartfound.org/blog/?cat=34 to view the Foundation’s blog devoted to geriatric social work.

Related Links

NASW Center for Workforce Studies
National Study of Licensed Social Workers (2006)
http://workforce.socialworkers.org/studies/natstudy.asp

Institute of Medicine
Retooling for an Aging America: Building the Healthcare Workforce (2008)
http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=12089

Meet the Authors Book Chat
Narratives of Social and Economic Justice

Join us for this informational session and chat with the authors of Narratives of Social and Economic Justice. This NASW Press book provides insight and skills that social workers need to effectively combat racial and ethnic disparities and promote optimal human development.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Free

Book excerpt

“Residences often find themselves in a double-bind—unable to access services because their homes do not meet county building codes …. Many houses have been built without indoor bathrooms or plumbing, and housing inspectors will designate these as “substandard” or “dilapidated,” so the house cannot pass inspection…(p. 137).”

Featuring:

•  Roberta Greene,PhD, MSW
•  Harriet Cohen,PhD, LCSW
•  John Gonzalez,PhD, MSW
•  Youjung Lee,PhD, MSW

This event is sponsored by NASW Specialty Practice Sections and NASW Press.

CEs will not be offered for the Meet the Authors event. *

To register please email sections@naswdc.org and provide us your name, you will be emailed a confirmation.

Phone Instructions:

· Toll free: 1-866-237-3252
Toll: 1-719-457-1018
Participant Passcode:  945159

· URL:  http://www.MyEventPartner.com/NASW26

*No CEs will be provided for this book chat.

The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, the most significant child welfare reform legislation in more than a decade, has made significant improvements aimed at improving outcomes for children and youth who have spent time in foster care or at risk of child welfare involvement. A number of the Fostering Connections’ provisions are designed to promote the well-being of older youth in foster care. One of these provisions includes mandating the development of a transition plan no later than 90 days prior to the youth’s 18^th birthday, or older if the state chooses to extend care beyond 18.  Do you feel prepared to develop these mandated transition plans in partnership with the young people you work with? If so, can you share some ideas on your approach?