Welcome Back to the Social Work Policy Network!
Happy Fall Semester, everyone!
Whether you're a returning subscriber or joining us for the first time, we're so excited to welcome you to another year with the Rutgers School of Social Work Policy Network!
We hope everyone had a wonderful summer filled with rest, new experiences, and time spent doing the things you love. As we settle into a new academic year, we wish our students, faculty, staff, and community members a successful, fulfilling, and inspiring semester ahead!
As we begin this new chapter, the Social Work Policy Network looks forward to keeping you informed and connected through weekly updates on social policy, current events, community resources, and opportunities for engagement. Together, we hope to continue encouraging meaningful conversations about the issues shaping our communities and the social work profession.
Here's to a great year filled with learning, growth, new opportunities, and positive change. We're so glad you're here!
Thank you for your continued support of the Social Work Policy Network!
We are now on Substack as @russwsocialworkpolicynetwork.
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Regional Policy News Highlights
Regulatory change opens door to one-stop mental and physical healthcare in NJ
-New Jersey Monitor
"Integrated care programs help ensure that people are treated as whole individuals, not a collection of separate health needs." - Valerie Mielke, NJ Human Services Deputy Commissioner
New Jersey has awarded funding to two nonprofit healthcare providers to expand integrated physical and behavioral healthcare. The initiative is intended to reduce barriers for individuals seeking mental health treatment, substance use services, and primary care by making these services available in the same location.
Some new Medicaid rules have already changed: Why New Jersey officials and residents are worried about what happens next
-WHYY
"I don't think I can add one more balancing act to my life without having everything collapse." - Paul White, New Jersey Medicaid Beneficiary
White is concerned that new Medicaid reporting requirements could jeopardize his health insurance. Beginning in January, certain NJ FamilyCare recipients will face additional eligibility requirements and more frequent renewals, raising concerns about administrative challenges and potential coverage losses among eligible residents.
New Jersey election 2026: Voter guides, key races and more
-WHYY
"Here's what's at stake in the midterms, along with voting logistics, candidate breakdowns, and more." -WHYY
New Jersey's general election will take place on November 3, 2026, with early voting available October 24 through November 1. WHYY's nonpartisan election guide provides information about registration, voting procedures, mail-in ballots, polling locations, and candidates, helping residents make informed decisions about their participation.
Upcoming Events
General Election
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Early voting: Saturday, October 24, 2026 - Sunday, November 1, 2026
Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 (Passed)
Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 27 ,2026 (by mail)
Register to vote
Resources
The general election provides an opportunity for eligible voters to participate in decisions that shape policies affecting individuals, families, and communities. Issues such as healthcare access, affordable housing, education, economic security, and social services are influenced by elected representatives at local, state, and federal levels. Civic participation allows community members to learn about candidates and policy proposals, consider how decisions may affect their communities, and make informed choices.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of informed public participation in shaping social policies and institutions. By sharing accessible, nonpartisan voting information, social workers can support civic engagement while respecting each individual's right to make independent decisions.
Alumni Conversation | Therapy Across the Party Lines: Navigating Sociopolitical Differences in Social Work Practice
Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Register for the event
"This presentation will explore features of political polarization and sociopolitical identity while considering implications for (clinical) social work practice. Theory and evidence-based practice are presented to help guide social workers who engage politically diverse populations. Expect to learn how to overcome common challenges and build a cross-partisan therapeutic alliance."
Presented by Jeremy Brinsdon, DSW
Attendees will receive 1 free Social/Cultural Competence CE
National Policy News Highlights
What Trump’s homelessness policy means for the most vulnerable
-Associated Press
"Housing is healthcare." -Ra’Shann Martin, Executive Director of St. John Center
Federal homelessness policy is shifting away from the Housing First model, which prioritizes permanent housing alongside voluntary supportive services, toward approaches emphasizing transitional housing and treatment requirements. The administration argues that its proposed reforms would better address addiction, recovery, and self-sufficiency, while housing providers express concern about the loss of long-term housing options. The article highlights the potential consequences for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, including people with disabilities, significant medical conditions, and behavioral health needs. It also features a New Jersey resident whose life was transformed by permanent supportive housing.
Her son has serious disabilities. She believes she’s the best person to teach him
-The Hill
“But I'm not sure the school is the same now. It's now a mass, one-size-fits-all approach.” - Katherine Walter, mother of a child with disabilities
A Montana family's experiences navigating the public education system have brought attention to broader questions about disability accommodations, school safety, and educational accessibility. After concerns about the availability of appropriate support and the use of physical restraint, the family chose homeschooling for their son, who has autism and a speech disorder. The article examines growing efforts to provide publicly funded educational alternatives while also considering concerns about maintaining legal protections and services for students with disabilities.
Many GOP states have imposed new voting rules this year, some mirroring Trump’s midterm proposals
-Associated Press
“I just feel like you need to be a citizen and show proof of ID.” - Genia Fortune, Ohio voter
More than three dozen new voting laws are taking effect across Republican-controlled states ahead of the November midterm elections. The measures include changes to voter identification, proof-of-citizenship documentation, and mail-in voting requirements. Supporters argue that these policies strengthen election security and public trust, while voting rights organizations warn that additional documentation requirements may create barriers for otherwise eligible voters. The article examines how these changes could affect students, older adults, residents of rural communities, and individuals who face difficulties obtaining identification.
Professional Opportunities
Dispatch/Counselor - CCRT (6063) Center for Family Services - (Camden, NJ)
Social Worker - Cure4Camden (5663) Center for Family Services- (Camden, NJ)
Senior Program Coordinator - (Piscataway, NJ)
The Social Work Policy Network's e-newsletter is created by:
Jaylynn Silva, MSW Graduate Student, Network Research Assistant
Dr. Lenna Nepomnyaschy, RU Professor, Network Founder
