1. Strengthening the Social Work Workforce
Florida faces a critical shortage of licensed social workers across various sectors, including healthcare, schools, aging services, and behavioral health. Strengthening our workforce ensures access to care, reduces burnout, and supports community well-being.
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Support student loan forgiveness, payment for placement, tuition assistance programs, increased reimbursement, and higher wages.
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Enhance qualified supervision pathways and reduce barriers to licensure (e.g., Social Work Licensure Compact).
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Guardrail the use of artificial intelligence in social work practice by ensuring AI support—not replace—the professional judgment, ethics, and expertise of licensed social workers.
2. Protecting Children, Youth, and Families
Children and families must have safe, stable environments and access to services that support their growth and resilience. Social workers play a vital role in preventing harm and fostering stability.
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Strengthen foster care, adoption, and child welfare reforms.
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Ensure access to school-based mental health and wraparound services.
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Expand programs that prevent family separation and promote reunification.
3. Supporting Older Adults and Aging Services
Florida's aging population requires policies that uphold dignity, independence, and quality of care. Social workers play a crucial role in long-term care, guardianship, and caregiver support.
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Reform guardianship laws to prevent abuse and exploitation.
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Expand home- and community-based services that allow aging in place.
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Increase caregiver support programs and workforce training in gerontology.
4. Expanding Access to Behavioral Health and Substance Use Services
Mental health and substance use crises continue to strain families and systems. Social workers provide critical front-line care, but access gaps remain.
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Expand Medicaid coverage and parity enforcement for behavioral health.
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Invest in crisis response systems and community-based alternatives to incarceration.
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Increase prevention and treatment services for substance use disorders.
5. Advancing Equity for Marginalized and Underserved Communities
Social workers are committed to advancing equity and protecting the rights of all people, especially those facing systemic barriers.
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Protect LGBTQIA+ Floridians, immigrants, and communities of color from discriminatory policies.
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Address poverty and housing insecurity through supportive services.
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Ensure equitable access to healthcare, education, employment, and safety for persons with disabilities.