Monthly News & Updates

As we observe Social Work Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your commitment to this remarkable profession, which we celebrate daily. Your contributions to the citizens of Missouri are invaluable, especially in these challenging times. The past two months have proven to be tumultuous, and many social workers and students are experiencing a significant degree of uncertainty and apprehension due to the current political climate at both the state and national levels, as well as the implications for social work positions, non-profit organizations, and social work education.

While we may not possess all the solutions, we are united in our determination and dedication to support one another during this trying period. It is imperative that we continue to elevate our voices and forge ahead, utilizing the myriad tools available to social workers to lead, inspire, and advocate for change—while also recognizing the importance of self-care.

Legislative Updates

From NASW-MO's Lobbying Team

Anti-Poverty Efforts 

• Create a series of tax credits to spur investment in childcare to improve access and affordability. HB 269, sponsored by Representative Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph), passed the House 120 to 34 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.  

• NASW MO supported this bill in committee.  

• Reinstate the ability of individuals with felony drug convictions to access SNAP benefits. HB 916, sponsored by Representative Chad Perkins (R-Bowling Green), passed the House Corrections and Public Safety Committee and was referred to a Rules Committee.  

• NASW MO supported this bill in committee.  

Children and Youth 

• Ensure children in the foster care system receive the benefit of any social security benefits they are eligible for. HB 737, sponsored by Representative Melissa Schmidt (R-Eldridge), passed the House 149 to 1 and was heard in the Senate General Laws Committee.  

• NASW MO supported this language in committee.  

• Prohibit educational institutions from discriminating based on hair texture or protective hairstyles. HB 284, sponsored by Representative Raychel Proudie (D-St. Louis), passed the House Urban Issues Committee. SB 38, sponsored by Senator Barbara Washington (D-Kansas City), passed the Senate Progress and Development Committee and is on the Senate’s calendar for floor debate.  

• NASW MO supported this bill in committee.  

The NASW Code of Ethics (2021) describes the way that social workers should behave where they work. This section (3. Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities in Practice Settings) describes the way we interact with our supervisors, those we supervise and consult with, our educational and training requirements, our responsibilities as managers, how we handle acting as administrators, our duties to employers, and our duties when transferring clients to other social workers. It also addresses, very briefly, the ethics of billing. 

It is, in sum, the nuts and bolts of our daily practical work life.

This portion of the Code of Ethics requires us to examine how we behave and the choices we make both when interacting with those who have a great deal of power over us (supervisors, managers) as well as when no one is watching us at that moment (when billing).