H.R. 795 would establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to advise Congress and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on policy issues associated with the profession of social work, to authorize the Secretary to make grants to support recruitment, retention, research, and reinvestment in the profession.
Detailed Summary
Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress on policy issues associated with the recruitment, retension, research, and reinvestment in the profession of social work.
Directs the Commission to study and report to Congress on issues facing the social work profession, including: (1) fair market compensation, high social work educational debt, social work workforce trends, translating social work research to practice, and social work safety; and (2) state-level social work licensure policies and reciprocity agreements for providing services across state lines. Requires such study to assess the professional capacity of the social work workforce to serve and respond successfully to the increasing biopsychosocial needs of individuals, groups, and communities in certain areas, including aging and child welfare.
Authorizes the Secretary to award: (1) workplace improvement grants to eligible entities and individuals to address workplace concerns for the social work profession, including caseloads, compensation, social work safety, supervision, and working conditions; and (2) research grants, education and training grants, and community-based programs of excellence grants.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract with a national social work research entity to serve as a coordinating center and clearinghouse for information on activities funded under the grants; and (2) develop a multi-media outreach campiagn and issue public service announcements that advertise and promote the social work profession.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 3/23/2009: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Claire McGee
February 5, 2009, 12:03pm (report abuse)DHS needs complete overhaul. The system is broken. I am a grandmother - concerned for my three grandsons who are caught in this system that has gone terribly wrong. contact me at clairemcgeephotography@gmail.com for details.
Edward Nims, RN, BSN
March 4, 2009, 8:04pm (report abuse)As a nurse working in a detox facility, I have seen the issues noted at the front of this bill. Helping the patients who need the social workers has ripple effects that benefit all of society. Success at the social work level can relieve the burden on the system caused by recidivism. Crime rates can be lowered as fewer people need to steal to feed their habits. Patients who have worked through their issues with the help of social workers are far less likely to have children who have similar issues.
This legislation is long overdue, and a good start to fixing a system long ignored. Even in a poor economy, the cost of a bill such as this is a great investment, and will save far more than it's cost over time. I have seen and I live it every day. This is NOT pork, os some kind of earmark... This is a true investment in our futures!
Edward Nims, RN, BSN
Minneapolis, MN
Christy Hudson
April 7, 2009, 10:14pm (report abuse)In the spirit of Jane Addams, let us advocate for ourselves.
MSW candidate
Brown School of Social Work
Washington University in St. Louis
Brittanie Gellings
April 8, 2009, 3:52pm (report abuse)I agree with Christy, so often we advocate for others without a voice, and join others causes. It's time for us to speak up for what we need, and empower ourselves. Contact your local representative to improve the social work profession and in turn the work we provide.
Brittanie Gellings
MSW Candidate 2010
Washington University