Chapter News

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 NASW-Illinois Chapter supports the Social Work Interstate Compact. The compact would allow licensed social workers to practice across state lines without obtaining a separate license in each state. For clinicians providing telehealth, working with clients who relocate, or simply looking for more flexibility in their practice, that matters. So does continuity of care. These are things worth fighting for, and we are. But Illinois is a hard state for compacts, and this one h

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!

In follow-up to passage of House Bill 1085 (HB1085) late last month, Heather O'Donnell, Director of Behavioral Health Strategy at DuPage County Health Department, shared the following information regarding the bill. Please read through the following to learn more about HB1085 which establishes minimum reimbursement rates for in-network behavioral health services.

Thank you to the social workers and social work students who called, e-mailed, and met with their legislators this month and helped to push House Bill 1085 across the finish line and pass in the Illinois Senate. The bill, which establishes minimum reimbursement rates for in-network behavioral health services, ensuring that mental health and substance use disorder treatment is covered by health insurance under fair terms, heads to the governor's desk where it is expected he wi

The National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL) condemns the recent escalation of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the Chicago region, including reports of raids, chemical agents, and aggressive enforcement tactics in Broadview and downtown. These actions have created fear and trauma in our communities and threaten both civil rights and community safety.

This year, the National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL) is honoring the work of some exceptional Illinois social workers and individuals whose work promotes social justice and social change with and on behalf of the people and clients they serve.