An Emerging Theory to Guide Clinical Social Workers Seeking Change in Regulation of Clinical Social Work

Dianna Cooper-Bolinskey

doi:10.18060/22622

Abstract

U.S. regulation of social work began in the 1940s. By the mid-1990s, all jurisdictions within the United States regulated the profession through licensure. One purpose of licensure is to protect the public and the profession; however, legislation defining social work varies vastly among jurisdictions. The variation exists not only between jurisdictions, but also within licensure categories. The disparity within clinical social work continues without resolve. This qualitative study explored the barriers encountered and solutions used in three states as they secured laws allowing licensed clinical social workers to independently provide mental health services. Grounded theory research, based on information from 12 historians, is used to develop a theory to aid advocates in jurisdictions not yet achieving fully independent practice of clinical social work. The emerging theory offers a complex-systems approach to using a strategic framework to overcome barriers when attempting policy change. The primary purpose of the research is to develop strategies that aid in securing changes in clinical social work regulation. The emerging theory may serve a broader purpose by supporting the Association of Social Work Board’s (ASWB) goal of practice mobility and license portability. As advocates in various jurisdictions attempt to align regulations with the Model Social Work Practice Act from ASWB, they may experience barriers. This emerging theory could guide efforts to change clinical social work regulation.

Highlights

In order for the rationale for the study to be best relayed to readers, some historical context about the social work profession is important
Responses from all 12 historians were summarized into two analyses: one collective analysis of barrier themes and one collective analysis of solution themes used when working with legislation that regulates social work licensing
Social workers do not define social work practice; scope of practice is defined in regulations at the jurisdictional level

Summary

Introduction

In order for the rationale for the study to be best relayed to readers, some historical context about the social work profession is important. It may be helpful to have a common understanding of social work practice and how the profession is regulated. Social work originated with volunteer efforts to care and advocate for abandoned children, people in poverty, and those who were otherwise disadvantaged in the late 19th century in Europe and North America (Stuart, 2013). Social workers initially focused on the issue of poverty but quickly expanded efforts to serve children and families in other ways (Stuart, 2013)

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