The SSWAN Legislative Committee meets on a regular basis to review and discuss legislation that impacts education and school social work at both the state and federal levels..  Such areas of interest include but are not limited to:  child welfare reform, laws related to truancy, special education, mental and behavioral health services for children and families, and juvenile justice in general.  Please feel free to visit the following link or keep apprised of changes at the Nebraska Chapter NASW site:  

 

Click Here to find your state senator in the Nebraska Legislature.

 

Nebraska State Legislature home page:  http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/

 

Please refer to the attachments at the bottom of the page for a current list of bills that SSWAN is following during the 2012 legislative session.  (See SSWAN Bills of Interest 2012.doc)

 

Also of interest this year:

Nebraska auditor's report on privatization of child welfare  July 2009 - March 2011

Executive summary of Nebraska Auditor's report on privatization of child welfare July 2009 - March 2011

Link to NASW law note - Legal Rights of students  Available for purchase

 

School Social Work Bill Introduced in Congress!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

For the first time, A Bill has been introduced in Congress that would specifically hire School Social Workers.  SSWAA is very pleased that efforts to introduce this legislation have been successful up to this point.  Certainly a lot of work yet will need to be done in order to get this bill into law but it is a start.  SSWAA members and all school social workers in general, will be asked to contact their representatives in congress to support this legislation.  Please stay tuned for more information on this important develoment.

Known as the "School Social Workers Improving Student Success Act", this bill was introduced by Representative Gwen Moore WI on 3-15-11. 

The SSWAN newsletter is published periodically to keep professionals and school personnel informed of social and political issues that affect schools and the profession of School Social Work.  Conferences, training and other announcements and helpful tips for School Psychologists, School Counselors, Administrators and other professionals working with children are featured.  Please contact the SSWAN President if you would like to contribute to an upcoming issue of the SSAN newsletter.  Copies of the newsletter are available for download in the attachments section at the bottom of this page.