Monthly News & Updates

The Social Work Compact passed in Missouri in 2023. We were the first state to pass the Compact legislation. However, the Compact legislation could not enact until a minimum of seven (7) states enacted the legislation. At this time, ten (10) states including Missouri have passed the Social Work Compact.

Kansas was the seventh state to enact the Compact. The other states are Nebraska, Vermont, South Dakota, Washington, Utah, Kentucky, Virginia, and Maine.



The Compact is currently pending in 18 other states.

Welcome to the NEW NASW-MO Board! And NASW National Elections!

Congratulations to our newly elected Board Members:

1.      Vice President, LeAnn Lawlor

2.      Unit D Representative, Nic Barna

3.      Unit E Representative, Lauren Crump

4.      Member At Large, Ambur Banner

5.      MSW Representative, Anna Fairchild

Thank you to our returning Board Members:

1.      President, Deanna Dinwiddie

2.      Secretary, Peggy Reed-Lohmeyer

3.      Member at Large, Nicholas Simons-Bracken

4.      Unit A Representative, Tim Roldan

5.      Unit B Representative, Travanna Alexander-Toney

Thank you to our outgoing Board Members, ending their Board Term on June 30, 2024:

1.      President, Derrick Howell

2.      Vice President, Heather Bradley-Geary

3.      Unit C Representative, Jonathan Jedlow

4.      Unit E Representative, Dwayne Walker

5.      MSW Representative, Jess Harman

6.      BSW Representative, Thomas Way

Ethically Speaking

Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibilities to Clients 



Terri Cooley-Bennett, DSW Candidate, LCSW, LSCSW, CCDP-D, TTS

NASW Ethical Standards: Responsibility to Clients

The NASW Code of Ethics provides guidance for the professional conduct of social workers. Standards may be enforceable guidelines, while others are “aspirational” (NASW, 2024). Standard 1 of the code addresses the ethical responsibilities that we have to clients.  Other standards may apply when considering our responsibilities to clients. 

Legislative Updates, Two Weeks Remaining in Session!

NASW-MO Lobbying Team

The General Assembly has only two weeks remaining in the legislative session, which adjourns on May 17. This year has been overshadowed by divisions in the Senate.  As of May 2, 120 pieces of legislation passed the House while the Senate only approved 37 bills and resolutions.  A total of six bills have been sent to the Governor’s desk.  



With limited time remaining and many substantial issues yet to be addressed, productivity in these final weeks is expected to be limited.