Observe National Healthcare Decisions Day, now in its sixth year, by encouraging your clients to consider, discuss, and document their goals for their health care—and by preparing or reviewing your own advance directives. NASW is pleased to continue its support for this observance, scheduled for April 16. Advance care planning promotes self-determination and is integral to person-centered health care. Social workers... 

By Paul R. Pace, News staff In addition to upholding the Affordable Care Act, the U.S. Supreme Court in June handed down decisions in two other cases that are important to NASW and social workers. The high court struck down the majority of Arizona’s immigration policy that critics charged as being excessive. NASW’s Legal Defense Fund facilitated NASW’s participation in amicus curiae briefs in legal challenges to... 

The NASW Legal Defense Fund filed an amicus brief in May on behalf of the association in support of a petition for certiorari in a death penalty post-conviction case. The brief seeks to have the U.S. Supreme Court accept the case, Abdur’Rahman v. Colson, for review. Abu-Ali Abdur’Rahman is on death row because of his counsel’s failure to offer the jury evidence of his compelling and excruciating life history and... 

By Rena Malai, News Staff In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the NASW Legal Defense Fund has introduced new content to its web page, and enhanced its fundraising and marketing capabilities to improve services for NASW members. NASW Associate Counsel Sherri Morgan, left, and NASW General Counsel Carolyn Polowy serve a cake in recognition of the 40th anniversary of the NASW Legal Defense Fund. The reception took place... 

For the first time in the history of our country a sitting President has publicly announced his personal support for same-sex marriage.  The announcement by President Obama, coming off the heels of the disappointing North Carolina vote to ban same-sex marriages through a constitutional amendment, speaks volumes for the marriage equality movement and ignites hope in the LGBT community. NASW has long held the position... 

For Immediate Release June 12, 2008 Contact: Allison Nadelhaft 202-336-8228 anadelhaft@naswdc.org Social Workers Congratulate the Supreme Court for Decision to Support Human Rights and Social Justice for Detainees NASW filed Amicus Brief with other human rights organizations Washington – Upholding the profession of social work’s commitment to human rights and social justice, the National Association... 

The Supreme Court has decided to take on the case that will decide whether the death penalty may be imposed on someone who rapes a child. Patrick Kennedy was sentenced to death for the rape of his 8-year-old stepdaughter in 1998. Until December 2007, Kennedy was the only person on death row for a crime other than murder. NASW, along with other victims’ rights organizations, have come out against the higher penalty,...