We invite you to visit or join the committee!
NASW-Indiana Chapter has a long history of participating in advocacy efforts in the state to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources and opportunities that allow them to meet their basic needs.
The Public Policy/Social Action Legislative Agenda and committee fulfills NASW’s Code of Ethics 6.01:
“Social workers should promote the general welfare of society, from local to global levels, and the development of people, their communities, and their environments. Social workers should advocate for living conditions conducive to the fulfillment of basic human needs and should promote social, economic, political, and cultural values and institutions that are compatible with the realization of social justice.”
In addition to guiding the chapter's public policy positions, this committee also chairs the Annual Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) initiative. You can learn more about LEAD here.
NASW Indiana – 2026 Legislative Areas of Focus
Areas of focus include, but are not limited to:
- Recognizing the shortage of mental health professionals, NASW Indiana will continue advocating for changes that:
- Increase reimbursement rates
- Expand access to scholarships and loan forgiveness
- Ensure that licensure changes support both the profession and clients served
- Advocating on behalf of social workers and the clients we serve in Indiana by providing proactive solutions to human service issues.
- Supporting policies that strengthen children, families, and individuals in urban, rural, and suburban communities, eliminate poverty, and ensure access to public social welfare.
- Promoting access to affordable education for all residents.
- Advocating for accessible, high-quality, and affordable healthcare, mental health services, substance use treatment, and related services.
- Encouraging and supporting civil rights for all.
- Honoring and supporting racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity while striving to end discrimination and disproportionality in all areas.
- Advocating for administrative rules, policies, and legislation that promote ethical professional practice of social work.
- Promoting a fair and equitable criminal justice system.
- Advocating for gun safety and the prevention of gun violence.