Social Action
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Social Action Report – Spring 2012
Amy Windels, LMSW
There is always a great deal of information available related to social action via websites, emails, newsletters, e-alerts, etc. Below are highlights of recent information of interest to the field of perinatal social work. Links are provided in order to obtain more in-depth information as desired.
Did you know…President Obama’s proposed FY 2013 budget was released on February 12th?
The Children’s Defense Fund offers an analysis of the budget at http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/analysis-obama-fy2013-proposal.pdf. Remember that the President’s budget proposal is only a first step in the annual funding process. While the President’s proposal indicates the Administration’s funding priorities, it does not get signed into law. Congress decides on final funding levels and develops appropriation bills during the upcoming year. The 2013 fiscal year begins on October 1, 2012. That leaves time to let your voices be heard!
Did you know…March 21st, 2012 marked the two year anniversary of President Obama signing The Affordable Care Act yet we are still two years from its full implementation?
There is an abundance of information available regarding the implementation of The Affordable Care Act thus far, as well as plans for the next two years. Yet, as perinatal social workers, it is important to be aware of how the provisions are specifically impacting, and are expected to impact, children and families. This is reflected in a speech by Mary K. Wakefield, HRSA Administrator, in February 2012, and found on the HRSA website at http://www.hrsa.gov/about/news/speeches/2012/120213amchp.html.
Do you have…an understanding of what happened in 2011, and what is expected in 2012, with regard to Title V Maternal Child Health Policy?
As perinatal social workers, it is nearly impossible to discuss social action without the involving Title V Maternal Child Health Policy. The AMCHP Policy Staff offered an overview of essential developments in maternal child health programs during the past year, as well as expectations for the coming year, in the January/February 2012 edition of their Pulse Newsletter. The newsletter is available at http://www.amchp.org/AboutAMCHP/Newsletters/Pulse/Documents/Pulse_JanFeb12.pdf .
Did you know…in November 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to consider the constitutionality of two major provisions of The Affordable Care Act?
The Supreme Court will listen to arguments March 26-28, 2012 and will issue a decision by the end of June 2012. Supreme Court Watch at Families USA (http://www.familiesusa.org/supreme-court/) offers a comprehensive overview of The Supreme Court and the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, there is an option for signing up for email updates regarding this important process.
Did you know…about the Congressional Social Work Caucus?
The Congressional Social Work Caucus (CSWC), launched in March 2011, is an authorized Congressional Member Organization inaugurated in the U.S. House of Representatives during the 111th Congress. As per the CSWC website (http://socialworkcaucus-towns.house.gov/), the purpose of the CSWC is to create a platform on the Hill representing the interests of over 600,000 social workers throughout the United States The CSWC will accomplish its goals and objectives through regular briefings on the Hill, statements in the media, convening experts on specific issues, engaging social work practitioners, schools, and scholars, fostering interdisciplinary cooperation with relevant disciplines, and by working with various stakeholders in local government and communities. The CSWC is committed to advancing and sustaining the social work profession’s ability to continue to respond to our nation’s most challenging problems. The CSWC website offers a list of caucus members as well as an opportunity to sign up for email updates. Consider reaching out to caucus members and making the importance of perinatal social work known during this groundbreaking opportunity.
As always, the Social Action Committee welcomes input from NAPSW members!! Please feel free to email .
