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History of IASWR
IASWR was founded in 1993 by five national professional organizations that represent the social work practice and education communities, to fulfill recommendations from a 1991 report adopted by National Institute of Mental Health’s advisory council, which highlighted the need to strengthen social work research resources. In 2000, those five organizations were joined by a sixth. A freestanding, not-for-profit organization, IASWR serves the research needs of the entire social work profession. Sponsoring organizations are represented on the Board of Directors of IASWR and contribute annually to its financial support.
IASWR promotes social work research conducted under the auspices of other academic and professional organizations. IASWR does not conduct or fund social work research directly, except in surveys on behalf of the profession, which relate
to fulfilling Institute goals.
IASWR Supporting Organizations
Why do We Need Social Work Research?
Social work research informs professional practice. Through social work research, the profession can:
- Assess the needs and resources of people in their environments
- Evaluate the effectiveness of social work services in meeting peoples needs
- Demonstrate relative costs and benefits of social work services
- Advance professional education in light of changing contexts for practice
- Understand the impact of legislation and social policy on the clients and communities we serve
IASWR Mission/Vision
The vision of IASWR is to lead the profession in the development, dissemination and utilization of scientific knowledge in social work through:
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Creating infrastructures for social work research that will enhance the capacity of faculty, and baccalaureate, master's and doctoral students to compete for and to conduct sound research on important social problems,
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Leading advocacy efforts to expand funding for social work research,
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Influencing internal and external stakeholders to view social work research as integral to practice and to the solution of social problems,
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Providing high quality professional development opportunities to enhance social work researchers’ knowledge and skills,
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Building collaborations within the profession and with stakeholders from other professional and organizational groups in order to advance social work research,
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Informing social workers about research opportunities, resources, and research findings, and
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Encouraging social work students to choose careers in social work research.
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