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Purpose, Mission & Goals
Mission statement
The Congressional Social Work Caucus was launched on March 15, 2011. It was founded by Congressman Edolphus Towns, Representative of New York's 10 District.The purpose of the CSWC is to create a platform on the Hill representing the interests of over 600,000 social workers throughout the United States who positively impact the lives of the elderly, the disadvantaged, children, veterans, or other individuals in need of guidance and direction in their lives. Every day social workers help people find solutions to poverty, divorce, addiction, emotional distress and other psychological and social issues, yet they often face a host of workforce challenges such as low salaries, high educational debt, and safety concerns. The Congressional Social Work Caucus will put a spotlight on the dedicated work of social workers in child welfare agencies, health clinics and outpatient healthcare settings, mental health clinics, schools, government agencies, social service agencies, private practice, criminal justice environments, and many more arenas in the public and private sectors.
In the 113th Congress, the Congressional Social Work Caucus will explore several areas:
- Initiate and support legislation to address the unique challenges and opportunities for professional social workers.
- Monitor and evaluate programs and legislation designed to assist and support individuals, families, and communities at all income levels who are coping with economic, social and health problems, particularly those with limited resources.
- Provide Congressional staff members with educational tools and resources directed toward improving the social work profession and the people social workers serve.
- Assist in education and awareness efforts on the breadth and scope of the social work profession.
The CSWC will accomplish its goals and objectives through regular briefings on the Hill, statements in the media, as well as engagement of social work practitioners, schools, and scholars. Additionally, CSWC will work to foster interdisciplinary cooperation with relevant disciplines, and work with various stakeholders in local government and communities. The CSWC will also strive to expand congressional internship opportunities for social work students. The CSWC is committed to advancing and sustaining the social work profession’s ability to continue to respond to our nation’s most vulnerable populations.
