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December 2019
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Message from Chapter President 
and Executive Director
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As we close out 2019, we look back at what NASW-FL accomplished for its members.

Our 18 local units offered more than 150 local meetings and continuing education workshops providing accessible CEs and networking opportunities. We successfully advocated on behalf of social workers during the 2019 legislative session ushering in new telehealth regulations and expanding mental health services in schools.

Our 2019 Leadership Advocacy Educational Day (LEAD) was a  success with 900 plus students and professionals attending. The March Social Work Month events were held in 17 of our 18 units with over 60 social work awards presented. 

In June we held our annual social work conference that offered more than 90 workshops with 550 social workers who attended. Our day-to-day activities include member ethical consultation and legal referral. 

Members of the Licensure Supervision Committee attended all four of the Board of Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors meetings.  Our focus is to speak on behalf of licensed and registered social workers to improve the licensure process. The legislative committee added an Immigration Justice Task Force to advocate on behalf of services and policies for immigrants in Florida.
 
We thank each of you for your support and membership. NASW-FL is only as strong and active as our membership participation and support. Volunteers make up our Board of Directors, all committee and task force members, all Unit steering committee members and countless members helping at unit meetings, the conference, LEAD and community projects. 

We look forward to 2020, which will be NASW-FL's 46th year as an NASW Chapter. It is our hope that this will be our most productive year. 

We ask for your continued support and membership.
 
Here are  dates   for upcoming 2020 events:
  • January 14 - Florida Legislative session begins
  • January 27-28 -  LEAD - Tallahassee
  • March - Social Work Month - Statewide
  • June 11-13 - Social Work Conference - Orlando
We wish you and your family joyful and safe holidays and a happy New Year!
 
Jim Akin, Executive Director
Carol Edwards, NASW-FL President.

Student Representatives Column

Hello NASW Family,

I hope everyone's finals went well or are going well! Make sure you enjoy your much needed time off and get some rest before the next semester starts! 

Remember, LEAD is right around the corner, be on the lookout for the bills that we will be tracking. This is a great opportunity to connect with other social work students from around Florida. Ashton (MSW Student Rep) and myself will also be attending LEAD and would love to meet as many of you as we can. 

With the New Year right around the corner try and challenge yourself with some new goals. Enjoy your holidays, I can't wait to see everyone in January!

Sincerely,
 
Ashley Rodriguez
BSW Student Representative
 
Hi Fellow Social Work Students,

This year Legislative Education Advocacy Day, more commonly referred to as LEAD, will be taking place on January 27 and 28 in Tallahassee, Florida. LEAD provides both students and seasoned social workers the opportunity to learn about essential legislative topics regarding social workers in our state. This is a great way to meet other social workers and students and to gain knowledge on these critical issues. Both Ashley and I will be attending LEAD. Feel free to engage with us and learn more about NASW and LEAD. 

We look forward to meeting you. 

Best of luck with final exams. 

Have a safe and relaxing holiday season!
 
Ashton Sanchez
MSW Student Representative


Share Your Services, Products 
and Information at the 
NASW-FL Annual Conference

2020 Conference Sponsor Prospectus

You are invited to participate in the 2020 NASW-FL Annual Social Work Conference , June 11 - 13, at The Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando, FL.
 
Sponsors receive assorted benefits and recognition:  
  • Hundreds of people who want / need your products and services
  • Recognition in the Conference Program
  • Inclusion in the Sponsor Booth game
  • Pre- and post-conference attendee list; post-conference list includes email/mail contact information
  • Logo on NASW-FL's website with a link to your organization through Dec. 30, 2020
  • Your logo on Sponsor signs produced by NASW-FL
  • Invaluable long-term customers and contacts
You may pay by credit card, purchase order or check. If paying by purchase order, please select check as your payment type.
 
Please email Christine Call, or call 1-800-352-6279 if you have questions or sponsorship ideas.

2020 Election Dates

Election Day

A Presidential Primary Election is held on the third Tuesday of March in a presidential election year. The Primary Election is held 11 weeks before the General Election for purposes of nominating party nominees to be voted for in the General Election to fill a national, state, county, or district office. A General Election is held in November of every even-numbered year. The election dates for 2020 are:
  • Presidential Preference Primary Election: March 17
  • rimary Election: August 18
  • General Election: November 3
What is the Presidential Preference Primary?
  • The 2020 Presidential Preference Primary Election (PPP) is part of the nominating process in Florida for the United States presidential elections. In the PPP, voters registered with one of Florida's major political parties express their preference for the presidential candidate they would like to see representing their party on the General Election ballot in November.
  • After the PPP, designated political party delegates from Florida formally nominate the preferred presidential candidate at the respective party's national convention. These national conventions are typically held in July or August. Based on the party rules governing delegate voting procedures, the party decides at the convention which presidential candidate will represent the party on the General Election ballot.
Deadline to Register to Vote (Book Closing)

Eligible individuals can register to vote at any time.  The deadline to register to participate in upcoming elections is 29 days before the election.  The voter registration deadlines for 2020 are:
  • Presidential Preference Primary Election: February 18 (Federal holiday moves the deadline to the next business day)
  • Primary Election: July 20
  • General Election: October 5
To register to vote and to check your voter registration, please visit vote.org

NASW-FL Priority Bills for 
2020 Legislative Session

To date 2,760 bills have been filed for the 2020 Legislative session. NASW-FL is following 242 bills which will impact the social work profession or the clients we serve. The information below gives you a summary of our priority bills we are following. If you have any question please contact Jim Akin at [email protected] or 1-800-352-6279.

Bills may also be viewed by going to House and Senate

Mental and Behavioral Health Services /Child Welfare: Support legislation for additional funding and increased efficient in service delivery:
 
(SB 190 / HB 81Support School Social Workers in the delivery of mental health services by expanding Medicaid school based services. Passed one committee in the House.
 
(SB104 / HB 687Expand mental health services for Veterans and their families by expanding state wide the 211 pilot program. Passed 2 committees in the Senate.
 
(SB 164 / HB 219Expand Medicaid services 

(SB 122 / HB 43) "Jordan Law" Improves/updates effective case management in child welfare. Passed 1 committee in the House.

( SB 544 / HB 375 ) Prohibits privilege communication for wife/husband if child abuse or neglect is involved. Passed 1 committee in the Senate.
 
(SB 232 / HB 413) Expands list of incidents that constitute harm to a child. Passed one committee in the Senate and House.

( SB 7012 ) Provides implementation measures related for mental health/ suicide prevention. Passed one committee in Senate.
 
(SB 706 Provides Insurance Coverage and Parity for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

(SB 870Mental Health; Requiring that respondents with a serious mental illness be afforded essential elements of recovery and be placed in a continuum of care regimen.

(SB 124 / HB 185 Custody of Minor Children by Extended Family, revising the requirements for individuals seeking concurrent custody. Authorizing courts to include provisions requested in petitions for temporary or concurrent custody which relate to the best interest of the child. Passed 1 committee in the House and 2 in the Senate.

Social Work Workforce: Recognize the importance of the social work profession, workforce challenges, and wages and employment trends:

(SB 356 / HB 115) Prohibits the loss of a health care licensure because of default on a student loan. Passed 2 Senate and House committees.
 
(SB 230 / HB713Changes is 491 Licensure Bill, provides greater mobility in social work licensure. Passed 1 Senate committee and 1 House committee. 
 
(SB 782Provides a scope of practice for the Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW), reduces supervision to two years. 
 
Social Justice: Advocate for just and fair criminal justice system, immigration policies, employment, 2020 census and prevention of gun violence.
 
(SB 346 / HB 339Criminal Justice; Prohibiting the imprisonment for longer than a certain time for persons who possess, purchase, or possess with the intent to purchase less than a specified amount of a controlled substance. Passed 2 Senate committees.

(SB 610 / HB 285) Direct Filing of an Information: Removes references to state attorney's discretion to direct file juvenile; revises discretionary direct file criteria; provides for opportunity for hearing to reverse direct file; revises provisions concerning housing of children held in detention
 
(SB 684 / HB 565) Expunction of Criminal History Records; Expanding an exception to an eligibility requirement for expunction of a criminal history record to allow prior expunctions of criminal history records granted when the person was a minor. Passed 1 Senate committee.
 
( SB 206 / HB 161) Support the "Florida Competitive Workforce Act" to prohibit all discrimination in workplace hiring.

( SB 180 / HB 41) Prohibit conversion therapy for minors.

( SB 68 / HB 163) Update and expand funding for housing options for homeless people. Passed 1 committee in both the Senate and House.

( SB 436 / HB 347) Prohibit placing youth in solitary confinement. Passed 1 Senate committee.

(SB 188 / HB 693) A student may not be denied classification as a resident based on his or her immigration status.

(SB 610 / HB 285) Removes reference to direct file in juvenile cases.

(SB 664) oppose verification of employment eligibility to determine the immigration status of the employee.

(SB 56 / HB 45) Private School Eligibility Requirements for the state school choice scholarship program revised to prohibit discrimination.

(SB 566 / HB 761) Prohibited Discrimination; "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act" or "CROWN Act". Providing that it is unlawful for sponsors under the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Act to discriminate against any person or family because of a protected hairstyle.

(SB 60 / HB 95) Representation of Women: Proposes amendment to State Constitution to provide that neither house of Legislature may vote on bill that would affect access to abortion services unless at least half of members of that house are women.
 

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Practice Perspective:  America's Drug Crisis: Challenges and Successes in the 
Opioid Epidemic and Beyond 

Introduction: Fallout from the opioid epidemic has gripped the country. Rural and suburban communities have seen substance misuse at unprecedented levels. From OxyContin in medicine cabinets to mail-order fentanyl from China, increasingly potent opiates have infiltrated communities, producing more than 100 overdose deaths per day. In the 12-month period ending in November 2017, the number of drug overdose deaths reached a high of 70,723 (Ahmad et al., 2019). Finally, in 2018 researchers noticed the first decrease in the rates of opioid-related overdose deaths in almost 30 years. That same year, researchers also noticed an upward trend in the use of stimulants (that is, cocaine and methamphetamines) either alone or in tandem with other opiates. Federal health officials have identified this as the fourth wave, although it is far less widespread than previous iterations of the opioid crisis.

Click here to read the full Practice Perspectives.

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A Tale of the Extended Reporting Period Tail graphic

December 2019

Extended Reporting Period (ERP), in connection with a professional liability insurance policy, also known as "tail coverage," is an option sometimes offered in a claims-made policy. The keyword here is "Reporting Period" because that term drives the difference between a claims-made policy and an occurrence policy. 

Click here to read the full article.

University Updates
From Around the State

Social work education is an important part of NASW, and maintaining relationships with students and their universities is even more important. Check out our latest University News and Updates on our website.

Local Unit News & Events
What's Going on Near You!

NASW Florida is broken up into   18 volunteer-led units that hold meetings, continuing education events, community projects, and social events for its members. This local network is one of our greatest membership benefits! Use the links below to find out what's going on in your local area.

UNIT NAME 
COUNTIES INCLUDED 
Ecambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton 
Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla
Gainesville Unit 
Alachua, Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Suwannee, Union
Baker, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Hamilton, Nassau, St. Johns
Central Unit
Orange, Osceola, Seminole
Emerald Coast Unit
Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Washington
Tampa Bay Unit
Hillsborough, Pinellas
Space Coast Unit
Brevard
Palm Beach Unit
Palm Beach, Glades
Broward Unit
Broward
Miami-Dade Unit
Dade, Monroe
Southwest Unit
Charlotte, Collier, De Soto, Hendry, Lee
Heartland Unit
Hardee, Highlands, Polk
Sarasota/Manatee Unit
Manatee, Sarasota
Treasure Coast Unit
Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee
Nature Coast Unit
Citrus, Hernando, Pasco
Lake/Sumter Unit
Lake, Sumter
Volusia/Flagler Unit
Flagler, Volusia


Here's a listing of events for the coming month. Additional details are available on our Calendar of Events or, if a unit event, on the local unit's page.


December

December 18, 2019 * Pensacola, FL
*NASW-FL Northwest Unit is hosting a Holiday Gathering from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Cactus Cantina Mexican Grill.
Join your fellow Social Workers for an evening of joyful celebration and holiday mingling. This is a free event; however, you are responsible for your own meal.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

December 19, 2019 * Gainesville, FL
*NASW-FL Gainesville Unit presents a "December Meeting Holiday Party" presented by Chenora Adjei-Christie, MSW, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Haven House Gainesville.
Light snacks, coffee, tea and dessert will be available. Registration is free for NASW Members and $10 for non-members.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

December 21, 2019 * St. Petersburg, FL
*NASW-FL Tampa Bay Unit presents a Holiday Celebration and Workshop Event on "Helping Persons Manage Addictions During the Holidays and Beyond" with Sharon Barber, MSW, RCSWI, MCAP, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bloom at St. Petersburg Senior Living. Brunch will the provided. In the Spirit of Giving, please consider bringing canned goods or an unwrapped toy. Registration is free. This event is sponsored by Bloom at St. Petersburg Senior Living.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

January 2020

January 6, 2020 * Sarasota, FL
*NASW-FL Sarasota-Manatee Unit presents "Yoga Informed Social Work" with Ruth Moss-Katsnelson, LMSW, ACSW, RYT-200, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Goodwill Manasota. Registration is FREE for NASW Members and $10.00 for Non-Members.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

January 13, 2020 * Palm Beach Gardens, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - North presents "Gaslighting and Other Forms of Emotional Abuse" with Sara Trosty Walsh, LCSW, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Barry University. Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

January 20, 2020 * Boca Raton, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - South presents "Dementia: Clinical Issues that Arise in Working with Patients and Caregivers" with Alyse November, LCSW, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited. Early Registration is recommended. This workshop is sponsored by CSI Caregivers Services.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

January 21, 2020 * Stuart, FL
*NASW-FL Treasure Coast Unit presents "Metta Meditation for Loving-Kindness in Social Work Practice" with Candice Rasa, LCSW, IET, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Discovery Village at Stuart. A light dinner and beverages will be provided. Registration is free. This event is sponsored by Discovery Village at Stuart.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

January 24, 2020 * West Palm Beach, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit will host a Meet and Greet Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Duffy's Sports Grill. Please join us as we get to know each other, network and kick-off the new year with our fellow social workers. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO RSVP ONLINE

January 27-28, 2020 * Tallahassee, FL - Save The Dates
*NASW-FL will host Legislative Education Advocacy Day (LEAD).  

January 29, 2020 * Palm Coast, FL
*NASW-FL Volusia/Flagler Unit  presents "Maternal Depression and How it Informs Practice" with Erin Orjuela, LCSW & Kian Jacobs, LCSW, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Get Off the Couch Counseling.
Registration is first come, first served. Registration is capped at 12 people. Registration fee is $10 which includes pizza. Pre-Pay only. There will be NO on-site registration.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

February 2020

February 7 - 8, 2020 * Orlando, FL
*NASW-FL presents Social Work Licensure Exam Preparation Course, with Sophia F. Dziegielewski, PhD, LCSW, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days at The Florida Hotel and Conference Center. Registration is $225 for NASW Members and $275 for Non-members.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

February 10, 2020 * Palm Beach Gardens, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - North presents "How 211 Can Help Local Seniors" with Erin McConnell, MSW, CIRS-A, CIRS & Patrice Schroeder, MA Human Behavior, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Barry University. Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members. This workshop is sponsored by Center for Discovery.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

February 17, 2020 * Boca Raton, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - South presents "Intimate Relationships: Healing through Mindfulness Sex" with Sally Valentine, PhD, LCSW, QS, CSTS, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited. Early Registration is recommended.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

April 2020

April 13, 2020 * Palm Beach Gardens, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - North presents "I Think My client has an Eating Disorder" with Dr. Joann Hendelman, PhD, FAED, CEDS, CEDRN,from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Barry University.
Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members. Dinner is generously being sponsored by CSI Caregivers Services.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

April 20, 2020 * Boca Raton, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - South presents "Body Image in Eating Disorders with Diverse Presentations and Populations" with Lara Conley, LCSW and Melanie Smith, LMHC, CEDS, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited. Early Registration is recommended.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

May 2020

May 18, 2020 * Boca Raton, FL
*NASW-FL Palm Beach Unit - South presents "The Power of Resiliency: Overcoming Adversity and Utilizing Resources" with Tonya Pignato, LCSW, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Registration is FREE for NASW members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited. Early Registration is recommended.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE

May 30 - June 6, 2020 * Reykjavik, Iceland
*Florida State University College of Social Work and NASW-FL present Clinical Practice International: Reykjavik, Iceland. In 2020, this popular professional development course is being offered in the beautiful city of Reykjavik, Iceland. The course gives participants the exciting opportunity to see clinical social work-its theory, practice, and diversity-in a larger international arena, a vantage point that has become increasingly more important in our current global society. A large focus of the program will be on current social social issues in Iceland and how these are being addressed by the professional social work community.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE



Happy  Holidays

The NASW-FL Chapter Office will be closed Dec. 24 - Jan. 1 for the holidays.

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