Press Releases and Statements
NASW Gravely Concerned by Supreme Court Decision on Conversion Therapy Ban
March 31, 2026
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is deeply concerned by today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which sides with a counselor challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy. While this decision is disappointing, NASW remains resolute in its opposition to conversion therapy and its commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.
“Today’s ruling is disheartening, but it will not deter us. NASW will continue to advocate relentlessly for the safety, dignity, and rights of the LGBTQ+ community,” said NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C.
The Court ruled 8-1 in Chiles v. Salazar, declaring that talk therapy is “pure speech” protected by the First Amendment, rather than professional conduct subject to regulation. It rejected Colorado’s argument that the law governs professional actions, not speech, and issued a preliminary injunction blocking the state’s law until further lower court rulings.
This decision directly contradicts the NASW Code of Ethics, which prioritizes client well-being, cultural competence, and the fight against oppression and discrimination. Conversion therapy is not an ethical or evidence-based practice—it is harmful and damaging.
NASW’s Longstanding Opposition to Conversion Therapy
NASW has been a leader in denouncing the practice of conversion therapy, which causes documented harm - particularly to young people. Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth subjected to conversion therapy are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide.
In this case, NASW’s Legal Defense Fund (LDF) partnered with the American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, and 11 other organizations to submit an amicus curiae brief, presenting peer-reviewed evidence on the harms of conversion therapy. The Supreme Court's decision disregards this overwhelming medical and scientific consensus.
What This Ruling Means—and What It Doesn’t Change
The Supreme Court’s decision does not change NASW’s unwavering stance on conversion therapy. NASW’s official policy, outlined in Social Work Speaks, affirms that sexual identity, gender identity, and gender expression are fundamental and irrefutable aspects of personal identity. Conversion therapy undermines these core aspects and should have no place in social work.
NASW also acknowledges the public health crisis of youth suicide and self-harm. Social workers must act to combat harmful, ineffective practices like conversion therapy. NASW believes conversion therapy should not be part of social work education or practice and must be eliminated from the profession altogether.
Navigating the Legal Landscape Moving Forward
For states with existing bans on conversion therapy, this ruling introduces uncertainty. Some bans may survive under alternative legal frameworks, such as laws addressing professional conduct, fraud, or public funding restrictions. Advocacy at the state level remains essential to preserving protections. Time will reveal which state bans hold and which will be overturned.
Additionally, this ruling creates a dangerous gray area for families seeking mental health services. Organizations practicing conversion therapy often use affirming language that mimics genuine therapeutic care. Social workers, as the nation’s largest providers of mental health services, play a critical role in helping communities identify affirming care and avoid harmful practices.
A Call to Action for Social Workers
The loss of legal protections in some states places an even greater burden on social workers to uphold ethical principles and protect LGBTQ+ youth.
Here’s how social workers can take action:
- Practice with integrity: NASW’s policy against conversion therapy is clear. Social workers must know it, apply it, and speak out if they encounter this harmful practice in their agencies or networks.
- Understand your state’s laws: If your state has protections for LGBTQ+ youth, ensure that you, your colleagues, and your clients are aware of them.
- Educate your community: Parents, caregivers, and youth need to understand what affirming care looks like and how to avoid harmful practices masquerading as therapy. This is central to the mission of social work.
- Support NASW’s Legal Defense Fund: The LDF ensures the voice of the social work profession is heard in critical legal battles. Your support helps NASW continue this work. Learn more at socialworkers.org/ldf.
Conclusion
NASW refuses to stand by as harmful practices like conversion therapy threaten the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. Despite this legal setback, the social work profession will continue to fight for affirming, ethical care and work to dismantle discrimination in all its forms. Social workers must lead the charge in advocating for the youth and families who depend on them most.
What Social Workers in RI Need to Know About Threats to SNAP Funding if Shutdown Continues
October 31,2025
SNAP benefits are set to expire
in Rhode Island on Saturday, November 1st. The state has stepped up, and
some benefits will be provided to families with children on their SNAP
cards. However, the state cannot cover
the entire shortfall of federal funds.
We know social workers are on
the front lines working with individuals and communities as they cope
with this situation. NASW-RI continues to advocate for SNAP at the state
and national levels. The week of October
24th, we worked with our national office on a letter to congress and
the president urging the release of funds to make sure our neighbors do
not go hungry. This letter generated 6,635 social worker signatures
across the country. See our press release
here.
We know you need resources on
what to do now. We encourage you to look to this site for updated
information throughout this crisis:
Getting Help While SNAP Benefits Are on Hold | RI Department
of Human Services
October 21, 2025
We received notification from the Department of Health and Human Services that SNAP benefits will stop effective November 1st if the government shutdown does not end.This will impact 140,000 RI families, many with children.
Key Points from DHS are here:
- October SNAP benefits have already been issued and are not affected by the shutdown.
- No federally funded SNAP benefits will be issued for November unless Congress and the federal Administration act to end the shutdown.
- DHS operations continue. Customers can still apply, recertify, or make changes to their cases.It is important that customers ensure their cases are complete and up-to-date so that when SNAP funds are restored all eligible customers receive benefits as soon as possible.
- DHS will communicate immediately when federal direction changes or additional guidance is received.
1. What is happening?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has informed states that federally funded SNAP benefits cannot be distributed for November if the shutdown continues. This affects 42 million Americans nationwide and approximately 140,000 Rhode Islanders.
2. What does this mean for Rhode Islanders?
- October benefits are secure.
- No additional federal funding has been authorized for November.
- Without congressional action, SNAP benefits will not be issued on November 1.
3. What is DHS doing?
- Working with Governor McKee, EOHHS, and OMB to assess impacts and advocate for federal action.
- Coordinating with food banks, community organizations, and local partners to prepare for increased need.
- Sharing information promptly and consistently with providers to ensure clarity and coordination.
4. What should providers tell clients who ask about their SNAP benefits?
You can say:
“Your October SNAP benefits are safe. Unfortunately, without congressional action, November benefits will not be issued due to the federal shutdown. DHS and state leaders are advocating for Washington to act quickly and restore this essential funding. We’ll share updates as soon as new information is available.”
5. How can providers help right now?
- Reinforce accurate information and discourage misinformation.
- Encourage families to plan ahead with current benefits and connect them to community food resources.
- Report urgent trends or community impacts to your DHS program contact or James.beardsworth@dhs.ri.gov, DHS chief public affairs officer.
NASW-RI is monitoring this situation closely. We know how big this impact will be should SNAP benefits not be issued in November. Please be in touch with us to get involved with our advocacy efforts. You can email Rebekah at rgewirtz.naswma@socialworkers.org
NASW-RI Stands in Solidarity with NASW-VA and NASW in Condemning Violence and Antisemitism in DC Shooting
NASW Conference 2025
By Meredith Sinel, LICSW
NASW-RI Chapter President
Most of us have never been in a space where over 2000 social workers
are in the same room and I have. The 2025 NASW Conference brought
together a diverse, colorful, passionate, motivated, curious and
determined group of individuals from around the country,
including Puerto Rico. If you don't think that diversity matters, you
are absolutely mistaken.
Someone who immigrated to this country and left everything behind
that they have ever known, I will never fully understand their
experience.
Someone who was born into a family where their native language is not English, I will never fully understand their experience.
Someone who navigates this world feeling they have been born in the wrong body, I will never fully understand their experience.
Someone who has more melanin than I do and is treated differently
every single day by our world, I will never fully understand their
experience.
Someone who was born into a home of addiction where this addiction
was the elephant in the room, I will never fully understand their
experience.
Someone who was born into poverty, who didn't have food, clothing or
their basic needs met, I will never fully understand their experience.
Someone who has a family member who is incarcerated and knows what
it's like to have them miss the birthdays, the graduations, the
weddings, the births, the deaths, I will never understand their
experience.
There are so many experiences that I will never fully understand and
that's ok. Because I have a lot of wisdom that is unique to my story and
this helps me in this profoundly sacred profession.
And there are so many social workers who attended the NASW Conference
who do understand the different experiences and have walked in the
shoes of the people they serve. And that's why diversity matters. If you
don't think it does, you are absolutely mistaken.
Just ask our clients.
This conference reinvigorated our commitment to social justice and
access for humanity. We want change and we want it to be done by leaders
who understand that our diversity is what makes this world a better
place. I may not always fully understand someone's
experience, but I am dedicated to ensuring that people are treated with
dignity, kindness, respect and love. And I know that as a social
worker, I am surrounded by colleagues who are devoted each day, to doing
the same.
Thank you NASW for helping us find the light and hope again!
NASW-RI Statement on the Passing of Senate President Ruggierio
April 22, 2025
On behalf of our social worker members, NASW-RI sends our condolences to the friends, colleagues, and loved ones of Senate President Dominick Ruggierio on this sad occasion of his passing. Public service is an essential way to uphold the values of our democracy. It is an important calling and one Senator Ruggierio did with integrity and good will.
NASW-RI Statement on ASWB Exam Data
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) just released new data on pass rates related to social work licensing exams. The data show glaring disparities in pass rates between white people and people of color – particularly Black test-takers in RI and nationwide. This is unacceptable and we must act.
NASW-RI is committed to supporting a diverse social work field and we must continue to remove barriers that clinicians of color face when choosing the social work profession. This year we worked with @RICSSW and @SenDimario and @Repshallcross smith to remove the licensure test at the Master’s level. We knew based on anecdotal information that there were disparities in outcomes. Removing this testing requirement at the master’s level is one essential way to eliminate the perpetuation of systemic failures. We will continue to demand solutions to assure equitable access to the field.
Rhode Island (2011-2021):
First time Test Takers Clinical Exam
Overall # of test-takers: 783
Overall Pass Rate: 82.1%
Breakdown passing rate by ethnicity:
- White: 88.2%
- Native American/Indigenous Peoples: No%
- Multiracial: 80%
- Hispanic/Latino: 60%
- Black: 51%
- Asian: 58.3%
Data Found: www.aswb.org/exam/contributing-to-the-conversation/aswb-exam-pass-rates-by-state-province/
Rhode Island (2011-2021):
First time Test Takers Master's Exam
Overall # of test-takers: 1023
Overall Pass Rate: 86.1%
Breakdown passing rate by ethnicity:
- White: 91.9%
- Native American/Indigenous Peoples: No%
- Multiracial: 87%
- Hispanic/Latino: 74.3%
- Black: 56.8%
- Asian: 64.3%
Data Found: www.aswb.org/exam/contributing-to-the-conversation/aswb-exam-pass-rates-by-state-province/