Chapter News

The engagement of social workers and social work students around this issue reflects the 2026 Social Work Month theme of "Uplift, Defend. Transform." By submitting a public comment, we are advocating to ensure social work retains its professional degree status and continued access to federal financial aid.

House Bill 4826 (HB4826) would strengthen the integrity and quality of continuing education for licensed professionals in Illinois by ensuring that CE credit cannot be awarded for courses that teach practices or actions that are prohibited under Illinois law. This is an important step in protecting both practitioners and the communities we serve while reinforcing clear, ethical, and legally compliant professional standards.

IDFPR just announced today the addition of six new license types—including social worker and clinical social worker—to the state modernized regulatory platform, CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment).

The Department of Education is currently accepting comments on the rule change which would remove social work as a professional degree through March 2, 2026. We ask that all social workers submit their comments on this change through the Federal eRulemaking Portal before March 2, 2026. 

January marked the beginning of the 2026 Illinois Spring Legislative Session.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is accepting applications for their Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program through June 30, 2026.

ISAC is currently accepting applications for their School and Municipal Social Work Shortage Loan Repayment Program through June 30, 2026.

The National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL) announced its endorsed candidates for the March 17, 2026 Illinois Primary Election, highlighting the critical role state leadership will play as social workers and human service systems face growing uncertainty at the federal level.

The NASW–Illinois Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging (DEIAB) Committee is launching, "Courageous Care, Collective Power," a campaign rooted in a shared commitment to social justice, dignity, and human rights in a political climate that increasingly threatens them.

The challenging year of 2025 is now over, with many more challenges ahead in 2026. Our profession and our values have been under a great deal of scrutiny, but we continue to persevere here in Illinois and nationally. It is important to not lose sight of that. 

Joining the NASW-Illinois Chapter Advisory Board of Directors is a great way to implement change, share your knowledge, and voice your opinions! Consider getting involved in your professional association, or nominating a colleague for a leadership position.

Beginning January 1, 2026, any LCSW applicant utilizing the alternative to the ASWB clinical exam must obtain their additional 3,000 hours of supervised professional work experience while holding a valid LSW or Professional Educator License with School Support Personnel Endorsements in School Social Work

This year's annual conference has been announced! This year's 2026 NASW Chapters Virtual Conference: Strength in Action - How We Uplift, Defend, & Transform will be a two-day conference hosted alongside the NASW-Nevada Chapter.

We’re thrilled to invite you to share your expertise and passion at the 2026 NASW Chapters Virtual Conference: Strength in Action - How We Uplift, Defend, & Transform! Join fellow social work professionals from across Illinois and Nevada as we gather to explore innovative approaches and best practices in mental health.

Today marks a historic victory for compassion, dignity, and self-determination in Illinois. The NASW-Illinois Chapter is proud to have supported the Illinois Medical Aid in Dying bill which was signed into law today by Governor J. B. Pritzker and restores choice and autonomy for terminally ill individuals facing unbearable suffering.

For the social work licensure cycle starting on December 1, 2025, and expiring on November 30, 2027, all Illinois LSWs and LCSWs who are renewing their license for a second or subsequent time must fulfill the following continuing education requirements. All requirements must be obtained by the November 30, 2027, deadline to maintain your license.

Essential to the success of our annual Advocacy Day is the NASW-Illinois Chapter Lobby Leaders Program.

This year's NASW-Illinois Chapter Advocacy Day will take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Springfield, IL.

NASW is currently at work with coalitions to send a unified message while local state chapters are sending out action alerts and reaching out to elected officials.

This year's annual NASW-Illinois Chapter Advocacy Day has been announced for Wednesday, April 15, 2026!