Kansas Chapter is dedicated to helping our members connect, develop professional skills and support your evolving needs.
We do so by providing year-round programming, continuing education programs and leading statewide advocacy efforts.
As the premier social work organization, Kansas Chapter is dedicated to the future and advancement of social workers and the profession. We are leaders in developing and promoting sound practice and policy in the community and legislature. We provide resources for professional development supporting members in building their careers with confidence and success.
“To promote and advocate for the practice and profession of social work...”
Kansas Chapter is the only organization in Kansas that is focused on the practice and profession of social workers. Our primary implementation of this vision is in our mission to protect the Kansas Social Work Practice Act (the law that defines and authorizes our practice as social workers).
focused on the practice and
profession of social work
We are the largest professional voice working on behalf of the profession and practice of social work in Kansas.
In 1974, NASW-KS Chapter led the successful effort to secure passage of social work licensing. Kansas was one of the first states in the nation to have licensing at three levels of expertise – baccalaureate (LBSW), the master (LMSW), clinical social work (LSCSW) due to the efforts of
NASW-KS Chapter.
Kansas Chapter formed soon after the passage of the social work licensing law. In 2024 - we celebrated 50 years of advocating on behalf of the practice and profession of social work.
Social Workers are Leaders - Advocates - Champions
Don’t miss this inspiring video celebrating social workers.
Advocacy in Action
Kansas Chapter Working on Behalf of the Profession
KNASW is Here for You!
Championing Historic Licensing Reforms
In 2019: SB 15 Passed
Reduced barriers for LSCSW clinical licensure
Changed clinical experience from 4,000 hours to 3,000 hours
Changed supervision hours from 150 hours to 100 hours
Brought forward licensure mobility and reciprocity across state lines
In 2021: HB 2208 Passed
Removed 350 in-person additional hours required for Kansas MSW students and statute amended to allowed interactive video and telephonic services including video supervision to achieve LSCSW.
In 2023: Senate Bill 131 (HB 2340) Passed
• A two-year temporary license introduced and passed to provide more time to pass the ASWB examination plus legislation introduced to have an expedited licensing process.
In 2024: HB 2484 - Social Work Licensing Compact Bill Passed
The Social Work Licensing Compact Bill introduced and passed in one legislative session through the work of Kansas Chapter. This was a historic milestone as Kansas became the seventh state in the nation to pass Social Work Interstate Licensing Compact Legislation.