LICENSING UPDATE: Getting Closer
The New York City Chapter of NASW, along with members of the State Licensing Coalition, are
moving forward to assure that social work licensing is passed into law during the 1998 legislative
session in Albany this spring.
While support in the State Senate is believed to be strong, an important November meeting with a
key legislator in the State Assembly signals a new level of support in this house.
Over the next two months, the Chapter will be meeting with additional members of the Senate and
Assembly, especially members of the committees which are responsible for licensing of the
professions. The Chapter is also soliciting support from agencies that employ social workers and
unions that have social workers as members. If you can help obtain agency or union support, please
contact Deborah Shepherd at (212) 668-0050.
In the months ahead, members will again be asked to write legislators in order to impress upon them
the level of support for social work licensing. Watch for an upcoming issue of Currents for the call
to action. It will be essential to get a large member response at that time.
(November/December 1997)