Social Service Law

In 1991, the Commission on Homelessness and Poverty was established by the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association (ABA). The Commission is charged with the following tasks: (1) Educating members of the bar and the public about legal and other problems of poor and homeless people and ways in which lawyers can assist in solving or ameliorating them; (2) training lawyers in areas needed to provide pro bono legal assistance to homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless; (3) working with all ABA entities on issues arising in their jurisdiction that affect poor and homeless people; and (4) engaging in such further activities as may be necessary and proper for the fulfillment of these responsibilities, including working with state and federal executive branches and legislative bodies concerning matters relating to the poor and homeless.

The Affordable Care Act passed by Congress and signed by President Obama this year will provide seniors and their families with greater savings and increased quality health care. It will also ensure accountability throughout the health care system so patients and their doctor—not insurance companies—have greater control over their own care.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.

OHRP's Division of Compliance Oversight (DCO) reviews institutional compliance with the federal regulations governing the protection of human subjects in HHS-sponsored research 45 CFR 46. DCO evaluates all written substantive allegations or indications of noncompliance with the HHS regulations. If complaints or concerns arise regarding an institution's human subject protection practices, OHRP opens a formal evaluation and, if necessary, requires corrective action by the institution.

On August 22, 1996, President Clinton signed into law the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Public Law 104-193, better known as the Welfare Reform Bill. This law changes how governmental financial assistance is administered including: changing federal funding to states from an open-ended entitlement to a series of capped block grant allocations; sets time limits on entitlements and cash assistance to welfare recipients; requires most welfare recipients to engage in job activities (this includes work experience, community service, job training, vocational education); changes the disability definitions for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for children who apply; mandates states to establish methods to enforce collection of unpaid parental child support; denies many legal immigrants from collecting SSI and food stamps; consolidates all child care programs into the Child Care and Development Block Grant, and changes foodstamp recertification requirements.

In the United States, welfare benefits for individuals and families with no or low income had been almost non-existent prior to the Great Depression of the 1930s. With millions of people unemployed, the federal government saw income security as a national problem. In addition to establishing two major "social insurance" programs to respond to future income loss (Social Security and Unemployment compensation), the Social Security Act of 1935 launched federal grants to support state welfare programs for low-income elderly and families with children.

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is the largest association representing social work and social workers in the UK. Whether you are qualified or not, experienced, or just entering the profession, we are here to help, support, advise and campaign on your behalf.

On a national level, CASW has adopted a pro-active approach to issues pertinent to social policy/social work. It produces and distributes timely information for its members, and special projects are initiated and sponsored. CASW representatives serve on coalitions and participate on a host of affiliated, nationwide committees on a continuing basis. As well, they provide consultation with government, other professional and non-governmental groups and, of course, the general public.

The Division for Social Policy and Development provides substantive support to Governments in developing policy measures and initiatives to promote inclusive "societies for all", where each individual has rights and responsibilities regardless of economic status (poverty), social status (gender, marital), specific age group (older persons, youth), disability or cultural or religious affiliation. The aim is to ensure that individuals and communities are enabled to participate in society and contribute to national development while enjoying basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) is a global organisation striving for social justice, human rights and social development through the development of social work, best practices and international cooperation between social workers and their professional organisations.

The International Social Service (ISS) helps individuals, children and families confronted with social problems involving two, or more, countries as a consequence of international migration or displacement. As an international not-for-profit organisation, it is active in around 140 countries through a network of national branches, affiliated bureaus and correspondents (link toward illustrative map). Each year, it provides services to more than 50’000 persons throughout the world each year.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. ACF programs aim to achieve the following: * families and individuals empowered to increase their own economic independence and productivity; * strong, healthy, supportive communities that have a positive impact on the quality of life and the development of children; * partnerships with individuals, front-line service providers, communities, American Indian tribes, Native communities, states, and Congress that enable solutions which transcend traditional agency boundaries; * services planned, reformed, and integrated to improve needed access; * and a strong commitment to working with people with developmental disabilities, refugees, and migrants to address their needs, strengths, and abilities.

The mission of ISS is to improve the lives of children, families and adults impacted by migration and international crisis through advances in service, knowledge and public policy.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with 150,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has established a clear vision for its work -- a life in the community for everyone. To realize this vision, the Agency has sharply focused its mission on building resilience and facilitating recovery for people with or at risk for mental or substance use disorders. SAMHSA is gearing all of its resources -- programs, policies and grants -- toward that outcome.

The Wall Chart on Basic Social Services for All (BSSA) was produced under the auspices of the ACC Task Force on Basic Social Services for All (TFBSSA) as one of the follow-up activities of the recent United Nations global conferences and summits, particularly: the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) (Cairo, 1994), the World Summit for Social Development (WSSD) (Copenhagen, 1995), the Fourth World Conference on Women (FWCW) (Beijing, 1995) and the Second World Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) (Istanbul, 1996).

At Volunteers of America, we are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 16,000 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Through our thousands of human service programs, including housing and healthcare, Volunteers of America helps more than 2 million people in over 400 communities in 44 states. Since 1896, we have supported and empowered America's most vulnerable groups, including at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions. Our work touches the mind, body, heart — and ultimately the spirit — of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services.

Welcome to NASW's Social Work Blog. On this site, you'll find a variety of topics and information related to the social work profession... and most importantly, users will be able to add comments from time to time related to those different issues. Any and all feedback is welcome, whether you're social worker, social work student, social work supporter, or your life has just been affected by social work.

The magazine's primary focus is on career development for social workers and social work students at all levels. Each issue includes: * student role model profiles * book reviews * news of the profession * resources for social workers * features on practice specialties * articles on ethics * features on field placement issues and much, much more!

Articles written by attorneys and experts worldwide discussing legal aspects related to Health Care and Social including: defective drugs, failure to diagnose, informed consent, medical law, medical malpractice, medication errors, pharmaceutical law, social security, social services law, surgical errors.