News

COVID-19 has revealed racial disparities that illuminate institutional and systemic racism. It is necessary for us to consider how our programs, approaches, and initiatives address the ways the public health pandemic, which is unabating, and the centuries-old pandemic of racism collectively affect our nation's mental health and well-being. A report from the Kaiser Family Foundation in April found that nearly half of Americans reported that the coronavirus pandemic had a negative impact on their mental health. Read more.

In response to the many disturbing events that have occurred over the past few months and the various communities that have been affected as a result, two CSWE councils have issued important statements that speak to these communities in which they represent. Read more.

Twelve social work programs will receive grants from CSWE’s Policy Practice in Field Education Initiative, funded by The New York Community Trust, to heighten the policy skill set of social work students. Learn more about this year’s grantees and their projects.

On July 14, the Trump Administration rescinded guidance to deport international college students whose classes were offered exclusively online. CSWE, along with many other organizations and schools, had twice last week voiced concerns about the guidance to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) today announced the release of the Specialized Practice Curricular Guide for Substance Use Social Work Practice, the newest addition to the 2015 EPAS Curricular Guide Resource Series. Read more here.

The 2020 CSWE Election has officially concluded! Thanks to the thoughtful participation of its member, CSWE has nine new members of the Board of Directors and National Nominating Committee. Read more about the newly appointed members.

As we continue to publish Social Work Responds, we are committed to addressing both pandemics—COVID-19 and systemic racism. In reviewing the survey results for topics that our readers asked us to cover in this joint communication, “professional development opportunities” was among the top three concerns. When considering how to approach this topic with regard to these pandemics, the subject of interprofessional health care rose to the top. Read more.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) today presented research which shows that more than 9 in 10 social work students who had in-person classes move online during the spring 2020 semester would be interested in returning to the classroom this fall. The survey, conducted in partnership with faculty from California State University, Sacramento, Division of Social Work, showed the impact to students when social work education moved online in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the June 5 issue of Social Work Responds, we explored the role of the social worker in the face of two pandemics that disproportionately affect communities of color, COVID-19 and institutional racism. Each crisis requires urgent attention and action, calling on social workers, regulators, and social work educators to be creative in responding to the needs of individuals and communities. This week’s issue continues to focus on how social workers are uniquely qualified to address both pandemics. Read more.

In response to current events and the pervasive social injustices facing our society, the Journal of Social Work Education (JSWE) has compiled a collection of articles with a focus on race/racism, oppression, social justice, and related topics that social workers and social work educators are committed to addressing and resolving. The articles will be open access until September 30, 2020. Read more.