2025

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No progress on child protection reforms in Utah halfway through the legislative session

Child Welfare Monitor

The death of Gavin Peterson from starvation last year after years of abuse and multiple calls to child protective services regarding his treatment set off an outcry in Utah and around the country. Media reports appeared throughout the country, legislators expressed their outrage, hearings were held, and concerned citizens rallied. But halfway through the legislative session that followed Gavin’s death, it appears that there will be no policy changes that will prevent more children sufferin

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Returning to Writing With a Renewed Focus

My Brains Not Broken

Well, I’m back! It’s been several months, but I’m excited to be writing here again. I’ve taken breaks every now and then in the seven years since I started this blog; they are often unexpected and unscheduled, and I try to feel things out for the best time to return. In this case, I knew that I’d need to take a few months off from writing.

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Share Clear Messaging During Birth Defect Awareness Month to Help Prevent Lifelong Effects

Social Work Blog

Substance use during pregnancy is common: about 1 in 7 pregnant people drink alcohol, 1 in 20 binge drink, and 4 in 10 of those who drink also use other substances, most frequently tobacco and cannabis. January is Birth Defects Awareness Month, a call to action for social workers to share a key message: for a healthy pregnancy, it is safest to avoid alcohol, smoking, and other recreational drugs.

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Challenging Handmaid’s Tale jurisprudence in child welfare

NCCPR Child Welfare Blog

Courts in New York, Texas, Arizona and at least 11 other states demand that fathers control the mothers of their children, punish fathers who dont and, worst of all, deprive children of loving parents who have done them no harm. New Yorks highest court is being asked to put a stop to it. A New York City mother, known in court papers as Ms. W., used drugs during her pregnancy.

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The Everyday Donor: Unlocking Prospecting Segments Through Behavior Analysis

Speaker: Tim Sarrantonio, Director of Corporate Brand

Do you really know your donors? Not just what they give, but who they are? 👥 In this interactive session, we’ll break down how nonprofits can use behavioral indicators (affinity, recency, frequency, and monetary value) to build prospecting segments that go beyond wealth screening and actually align with donor identity. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to move beyond basic demographics and cultivate supporters based on how they already engage with you!

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How to help children manage stress caused by California wildfires

CCRC

The stress of the California wildfires can be overwhelming for children, who cannot understand the chaos. Whether theyre evacuated or simply hearing the sirens and smelling smoke, the experience can create feelings of anxiety and fear in children. Parents and caregivers can help console children with some tips from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

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2nd International Conference on ASEAN Social Work and Social Development

The International Association Of Schools Of Social

The 2 nd International Conference of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Social Work and Social Development, themed “Social Work Horizons: Charting the Path with Research and Practice,” was successfully convened in Bangkok between 9 and 10 January 2025, attracting over 210 participants from across the ASEAN region. This conference served as a vital platform for exchanging innovative ideas and fostering collaboration on pressing issues such as sustainability, poverty al

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The School of Social Work Welcomes Katie Edwards

Michigan Social Work

Professor Katie Edwards focuses her research on preventing and responding to sexual and related forms of violence among structural minoritized populations using community-based participatory methods. Her current work is focused on program development and evaluation with Indigenous youth and communities as well as LGBTQ+ youth in online spaces. She helped establish the first Indigenous-led sexual violence prevention center, entitled Peaceful Means, on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

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Catalysts for Change: Racial Equity in Social Work Education

N.A.H

In this clip, I talk with my good friend and fellow Macro Social Worker and Equity Advocate Surabhi Pandit about how our activism organizing dialogues on race and equity as graduate students at The University of Michigan School of Social Work contributed to her Social Justice Origin Story. It all started with an incident where a class discussion exposed unexamined underlying racial biases and prompted a group of Black students to initiate broader, organized dialogues to address the issues.

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Child Welfare FAQs Regarding Family Detention or Deportation

CO4Kids

Back to Blogs Community Blog Child Welfare FAQs Regarding Family Detention or Deportation click to Download information in pdf The following information is not legal advice or guidance. Concerned individuals should consult an experienced and trusted immigration law attorney about your situation to verify that what you are doing will be honored by authorities in your state.

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The Intersection of Social Work and Animal Welfare

Swhelper

By Jennifer Thomas A victim of domestic violence chooses to stay in an abusive situation because they do not want to leave their companion animal behind to be harmed. A veteran experiencing homelessness is forced to surrender their service dog because there are no pet friendly shelters.

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Navigating Payroll Compliance: Future-Proofing Payroll in an Evolving Regulatory Landscape

Speaker: Jennifer Hill

Payroll compliance is a cornerstone of business success, yet for small and midsize businesses, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of federal, state, and local regulations. Mistakes can lead to costly penalties and operational disruptions, making it essential to adopt advanced solutions that ensure accuracy and efficiency.

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A fundamental conflict: addressing implicit bias in mandatory reporter training

Child Welfare Monitor

by Marie Cohen Recognizing implicit bias in mandated reporting training is a national focus for addressing racial inequity in child welfare. States from New York to Washington have updated their training for mandatory reporters to include implicit bias or highlight the distinction between neglect and poverty in an effort to reduce racial disparities in child welfare involvement.

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Should Doctors Be Allowed to Medicate Mentally Ill Patients Without Consent?

Nnatasha Tracy

Should doctors be allowed to medicate people with mental illness without their consent? This controversial topic sparks debate, but in emergency situations, what are the real options? Explore the ethical and practical considerations of psychiatric treatment without consent and why it might be necessary for patient safety.

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NASW national has left X (formerly know as Twitter)

Social Work Blog

NASW national decided in January to leave X (formerly known as Twitter). This was not a decision we made lightly. However, the NASW national office decided to go inactive when X removed guardrails designed to restrict the flow of misinformation and disinformation. You can still see our X account but there will be no new postings as of Jan. 31. Other NASW chapters had already decided to leave X before national.

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In West Virginia, the bad bills keep on coming

NCCPR Child Welfare Blog

First came the bill that would send caseloads skyrocketing. Now, theres another well-intentioned bill that would produce horrible results. ENTRIES INTO FOSTER CARE PER THOUSAND IMPOVERISHED CHILDREN, 2022 This is what we mean by "Child Rremoval Capital of America Of all the options for placing children torn from their homes, among the very worst are so-called shelters.

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Why Every Small Business Needs an HCM Solution: A Comprehensive Guide

Managing HR tasks like payroll, compliance, and employee data can overwhelm small businesses. That’s where a Human Capital Management (HCM) solution comes in. Our eBook, Why Every Small Business Needs an HCM Solution: A Comprehensive Guide , shows how an HCM system automates tedious processes, ensuring your business stays compliant and efficient. You’ll learn how to simplify payroll, eliminate costly errors, and empower your employees with self-service tools.

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Free Mental Health Webinars, January 2025

Social Work.Career

This post is part of the monthly series, Free Webinars for Social Workers and Mental Health Professionals, featuring over 20 free webcasts that we could find for you this month in the field of social work and mental health. To make it easier for you to find a webinar that is of interest to you, […] The post Free Mental Health Webinars, January 2025 appeared first on SocialWork.Career.

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12th International Digital Storytelling Conference 2025Lives, Voices, and Knowledge in a World on Fire

The International Association Of Schools Of Social

12th International Digital Storytelling Conference 2025 Lives, Voices, and Knowledge in a World on Fire We invite proposals for participation in the 12th International Digital Storytelling Conference, which will feature two distinct components: A virtual gathering, from October 31 to November 1, 2025 and an in-person event in Belm, Brazil, from November 6-8, 2025.

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What we’re watching in 2025 state legislative sessions

Child Care Aware

State policymakers play a pivotal role in driving forward child care policies aimed at improving accessibility, affordability, and quality. The 2025 legislative session marks a crucial moment for states to make further investments in child care funding and policies. This blog post offers a first look at whats ahead for state policymakers in 2025: pathways for investment, potential challenges, and which governors are alreadyprioritizing child care and early learning policies in their early propos

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Katie Edwards Quoted in CNN on NIH Funding Caps

Michigan Social Work

Professor Katie Edwards spoke with CNN about the announcement of funding caps from the National Institute of Health and how that affects research at institutions and universities across the country. These are funds that are used to keep, I mean literally, to help keep the lights on at the university, said Edwards. Without having sufficient funding, I dont know how many universities are going to be able to continue to be leading research institutions in the world, quite frankly.

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5 Must Haves for Case Management

Thousands of nonprofits rely on case management software to help collect data, manage programs, coordinate with agencies, and provide life-changing health and human services. Adopting a cloud-based case management platform is essential for nonprofits and government agencies to operate more efficiently and make better use of their funding and budget.

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Poverty and homelessness driving demand for children’s social care, directors warn

Community Care

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. Poverty and homelessness are driving demand for children’s social care, directors have warned. Lack of adequate housing, welfare reforms and families lacking access to public funds are adding to pressures on children’s services, an Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) survey has found.

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Early Screening for Autism Can Help Your Child Thrive: Learn About Your Child’s Development

CO4Kids

Back to Blogs Community Blog Early Screening for Autism Can Help Your Child Thrive: Learn About Your Childs Development If a child is struggling, parents and teachers might ask: Is it school adjustment, poor coping skills, bad behavior, or could my child have Autism? The National Institute of Health defines Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a neurological and developmental disorder.

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Child care, family assistance outlined in 2025 California budget

CCRC

The governors 2025 budget includes protections and supports for California children and families. CCRC and fellow advocacy groups fought for funding of these critical services, which were previously considered in the governors budget cuts. Thanks to a strong economy, the 2025 California budget is larger than the previous years. The $322 Billion budget introduces no cuts to core programs, and maintains initiatives to fully implement Universal Transitional Kindergarten, expand after school and sum

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Child Maltreatment 2023: A reduction in child maltreatment victims or a retrenchment of child protection?

Child Welfare Monitor

“New Federal Report Demonstrates Reduction in Child Maltreatment Victims and Underscores Need for Continued Action,” the Administration on Children and Families (ACF) of the US Department of Health and Human Services proclaimed in releasing the latest annual report on the government response to child abuse and neglect. As in the past several years, ACF’s language suggested that child abuse and neglect are decreasing.

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Get Connected: Using Social Media for Social Work Success

Speaker: Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW.

You may have the clinical skills to manage a private practice, but your success could actually hinge on marketing skills. For a thriving practice, you need to differentiate yourself from others and present yourself in a way that attracts referrals. These days, much of that happens online, including on social media. In this webinar, Gary Direnfeld will discuss how social media marketing can help you build your private practice and grow your client base.

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Thoughts and Feelings Are Not Facts: How to Reality-Test Your Brain

Nnatasha Tracy

Your thoughts and feelings arent always telling the truthbut they feel like they are. This cognitive trap can fuel anxiety, depression, and even destructive behaviors. So how do you reality-test your thoughts and emotions? Here, I break down why thoughts and feelings arent facts, how they trick you, and practical ways to challenge them. Learn how to stop believing everything your mind tells you!

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Sexual Education & Disability: Why This Should Matter to Social Work Practitioners

Swhelper

What do you get when you mix the taboo nature of discussing sexual intimacy with the social stigma surrounding intellectual and developmental disabilities? The answer: a heck of a lot more problems than you might think.

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Child’s death is a failure of West Virginia foster care, but also West Virginia journalism

NCCPR Child Welfare Blog

Here are all the stories I could find in West Virginia on the topic of the needless removal of children from their homes. A lawsuit alleges that a child taken because he wandered out of his mothers home was placed for that reason -- in foster care. He wandered out of the foster home and died. Heres what allegedly happened to a three-year-old boy in West Virginia known in court papers as PS, according to a lawsuit filed by his mother, as reported by The Parkersburg News and Sentinel, WTAP-TV and

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Eaton Canyon Fire Youth Support Drive

Creative Play Therapist

The Soultenders Child and Family Center, in collaboration with the Youth Empowerment Network, is hosting a donation drive to support youth impacted by the Eaton Canyon Fire, which devastated the community and destroyed 5,000 homes and schools. Donations will be accepted at the South Pasadena Soultenders throughout February and distributed to impacted youth and schools in the community.

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Best Practices to Streamline Compensation Management: A Foundation for Growth

Speaker: Joe Sharpe and James Carlson

Payroll optimization can be one of the most time-consuming and complex factors of small business management. Yet, organizations that crack the code on streamlining employee compensation often discover innovative avenues for growth. With the right strategies in place, outsourcing and streamlining payroll processes can result in substantial time and resource savings.

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World Social Work Day at the UN in Geneva 2025

The International Association Of Schools Of Social

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.Online International Social Work Day Disability Entitled ” Care societiesfor everyone: Advancing the social rights of people living with disabilities,” the day aims to raise awareness, mobilize political actors, and devise solutions to build supportive and sustainable societies. People with disabilities, whether temporary or permanent, experience greater poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion.

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Ohio Children’s Budget Coalition Releases FY ’26-’27 Budget Report, Urges Lawmakers to Adopt 70+ Child Friendly Proposals

Children’s Defense Fund

Child-serving organizations from across the state have proposed child-centered recommendations to Governor Mike DeWine and the 136th General Assembly as they deliberate on how to effectively invest in Ohios children, families, and future. Media Contact: John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org , Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679 COLUMBUS, OH The Ohio Childrens Budget Coalition (OCBC), a partnership of more than 20 organizations committed to the health and well-being of children, has released

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Try This: Learning From Program Participants Who Leave

Nicole Clark Consulting

Try this out and let me know how it goes. Learning from program participants who leave? Have you ever considered this? Understanding why participants leave a program can provide valuable insights for improvement. Instead of viewing dropouts as failures, organizations can learn from them to refine program structure, engagement strategies, and outreach.

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Lemn Sissay: ‘All care stories should be successful ones’

Community Care

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll. Moments into our conversation, Lemn Sissay kindly grounds me with a sobering truth. Before our meeting, Id spent most of the previous year conducting interviews that reflected on social work over the past five decades – including the progress the profession had made – for Community Cares 50 th anniversary.

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Empower Your Nonprofit With Effective Payroll & HCM Services

Managing a nonprofit involves many challenges, but payroll and HR shouldn’t be among them. Our guide, "A Buyer’s Guide to Payroll & HCM Services," helps nonprofits choose the best provider. Efficient payroll services ensure timely, accurate payments, vital for maintaining staff and volunteer morale. Compliance support helps navigate complex labor laws and avoid costly fines.