The NASW-NYC Chapter's Center for Social Work Policy and Practice has released the findings of a series of focus groups of social workers representing the five boroughs that illustrate how social workers serve City residents facing a wide spectrum of problems.

The research report — Voices of Social Workers — Saving Lives in New York City — indicates that professionally educated social workers bring about real change in people's lives and help fulfill the missions of the organizations that employ them.

Voices of Social Workers: Saving Lives in New York City Findings from Eight Focus Groups   

(pdf file)

Focus Group Articles On-Line

Understanding and Adaptation: Keys to Effective Services: Focus Group on Social Work with NYC's Asian Communities (May 2006)

Homelessness - a Myriad of Challenges: Focus Group on Social Work with Homeless People Highlights Complex Stories  (January 2006)

Focus Group on Social Work in NYC's Voluntary Child Welfare Agencies:  Getting Underneath the Most Difficult Problems Children Face (November/December 2005)

Focus Group on Social Work in Public Child Welfare:  Enhancing the Ability of an Agency to Protect Children (October 2005)

Overcoming Mistrust and Isolation To Save Lives: Focus Group With Social Workers In The Field Of Aging  (May 2005)

In Era of Medication, Social Work Remains Vital: Focus Group on Social Work in Mental Health Programs (April 2005)

Focus Group Findings: Recognizing the Human Element at Work - Benefit to the Worker, the Employer, and the Public (January 2005)

Tackling Dreaded Realities So Kids Can Learn: Concerns That Narrow Focus on Academics Limit Educational Opportunity (May 2004)

Professional Social Workers Achieve Effective Outcomes-Systematic Challenges Pose Major Risks: Focus Group Findings ( February/March 2004)