Association of Social Work Boards backs bill to fund field placements, boost retention and expand benefits

Representatives of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) testified in favor of House Bill 2899, a package of measures aimed at supporting social work education and retention and expanding certain benefits for child‑welfare social workers.

Cara Sanner, ASWB director of regulatory services, told the Joint Committee on Public Service that H.2899 would establish a field placement grant program for Master of Social Work students enrolled in Massachusetts programs and provide incentives—such as continuing education credits—to support clinical supervisors who oversee interns. She described field placements as the “heart of social work training” and said grants up to $16,000 per student would make placements more accessible.

ASWB representatives also said the bill would expand retirement benefits for social workers employed by the Department of Children and Families and would create a commission to explore certification for child‑welfare workers, which ASWB described as a way to professionalize that role without changing licensure standards for social workers practicing in other settings.

Ashley Lane, ASWB project coordinator and MSW graduate, described personal experience with a placement that closed and the financial and logistical strain of finding a new site; she supported the proposed grant program and the bill’s retention measures.

ASWB asked the committee to support H.2899 as a balanced approach to workforce shortages, professional training and public protection. No committee vote was recorded during the hearing.