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.

While the NASW-Illinois Chapter is not the licensing board and cannot make final determinations about what the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) will accept, we’ve created this quick guide to help you evaluate whether a course is likely to meet Illinois requirements.

Today, members of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) participated in a significant decision regarding the proposed expulsion or suspension of the Israeli Union of Social Workers from our international community. After careful deliberation, IFSW members voted against this motion. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) supported this outcome.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) strongly opposes the motion to expel the Israeli Union of Social Workers (IUSW) from the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), urging all 68 voting member associations to uphold the profession’s core values of unity, dialogue, and compassion.

President Trump and Border Czar Tom Hollman have announced that they plan to end “Operation Metro Surge," the federal operation that flooded Minnesota, especially the Twin Cities, with thousands of federal immigration and customs enforcement officers since early December. For months, this large-scale federal enforcement operation has deeply impacted individuals, families, and communities across Minnesota, creating fear, instability, and significant harm.

For first-time LSW and LCSW applicants who are beginning to apply for social work licensure in Illinois, you may now utilize IDFPR's new licensing system CORE for licensure.

The National Association of Social Workers – Colorado Chapter (NASW-CO) is alarmed and unequivocally opposed to today’s decision from the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Colorado’s law prohibiting the practice of conversion therapy with minors.

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.