Chapter News

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.

As Illinois faces a worsening mental health and substance use crisis, House Bill 1085 Senate Amendment No. 3 (HB1085 SA3) stands as a critical opportunity to protect access to care and support providers. During this month’s veto session, we urge all NASW-Illinois Chapter members and allies to contact your state senators and ask them to vote YES on HB 1085 SA3.

Effective September 30, 2025, several telehealth flexibilities that were put into place during the COVID-19 pandemic expired and now require congressional actions to be renewed. As of today, lawmakers have not addressed the expirations. Clinical social workers should be aware of two expirations that may impact the way they practice: the geographic waiver and in-person requirement.

Lately, the ground has been shifting faster than we can find footing. You feel it. I feel it. Our clients live it. In the last few weeks, I’ve led beside social workers across Illinois who are exhausted by the emotional whiplash of serving through another season of instability.

NASW-IL Endorses Senator Karina Villa for IL State Comptroller

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the largest membership organization of social workers in the United States, believes - and has always believed – that few things are as important as public safety and individual health and well-being.

The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has begun to allow for social work licensure renewal through the IDFPR Online Services Portal. Even if you haven't received your e-mail notice from the department, all Illinois social work licenses will expire unless renewed by November 30, 2025.

Here is a roundup of the biggest mistakes we’re hearing about from our members, and how to stay out of hot water.

One of the many challenges continues to be our nation’s policy towards the unhoused. Many of you saw the NASW national statement opposing the Trump Executive Order to Forcibly Remove Unhoused People from Public Spaces.   The issue of the unhoused goes well beyond this and precedes the current administration.