The Rhode Island chapter of the National Association of Social Workers named Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith as its Legislator of the Year yesterday at its annual awards ceremony in Warwick.
Representative Shallcross Smith, a longtime advocate for social workers, has championed numerous pro-social work bills, including a new law (2015-H 5158Aaa) enacted this year that streamlines the licensing procedure for clinical social workers. Last year, she supported legislation allowing Rhode Island to join the Interstate Social Worker Compact.
“This is a tremendous honor,” said Representative Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket). “Social work has always been very important to me, and I am humbled that NASW would choose to honor my efforts. I will continue to advocate for laws that improve the industry, including tuition reimbursement for students in the social work field who pledge to remain in Rhode Island, and for implementation of a student-to-social worker ratio.”
Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 120,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.
