Current Issues and Risks in Social Work Practice

The social work profession is truly noble, founded on service, integrity, and clinical expertise. However, it can also be stressful and even dangerous at times. The nation is grateful for what you do, and so are we. Thank you!

In 2025, the Florida State University College of Social Work (“FSU”) published a valuable article addressing current issues in social work, with reference to the “Grand Challenges” for social work developed in 2016 by the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare. The goal is to enlighten social workers on strategies that can help people.

Social workers continuously adapt to an ever-changing environment and evolve to overcome obstacles—such as the paradigm shift created by COVID-19, which required new methods of practice to maintain social distancing. From a liability insurance perspective, this shift necessitates a general liability policy that goes beyond traditional office coverage.

Social workers are pivotal in helping people navigate their lives, overcome a wide variety of challenges, and promote social justice. Below are some of the “Grand Challenges” to consider:

Improving Society

FSU highlights the following “Grand Challenges” to improve society:

• Decelerate the prison incarceration rate. For example, ask why the bank was robbed, rather than simply who robbed the bank
• Increase economic security for those facing financial hardship.
• Reduce the gap between the top 1% of the super-wealthy and the rest of the population
• Achieve equal opportunity, eliminate unfair practices, and advocate for social justice.

Creating a Stronger Social Fabric

• Educate the public on the harm of social isolation
• End homelessness using proven approaches, affordable housing, and innovative solutions.
• Create social solutions to address issues that threaten communities and their environments.

Cultural Competence and Sensitivity

• Social workers engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Therefore, they must remain sensitive to intersectional identities and committed to ongoing cultural learning.
• This deepens understanding and enhances the delivery of services. Cultural competence is a lifelong process. Staying current with emerging cultural issues builds trust, reduces miscommunication, and facilitates effective service delivery.

Integrated Healthcare

• Telehealth has become a widely used and effective channel for therapy, expanding access and increasing session frequency.
• Digital tools—such as AI, mobile apps, and IT platforms—accelerate therapeutic engagement and continuity of care.
• However, new risks emerge, such as cyber threats, unintentional disclosure of confidential information (e.g., therapy sessions overheard by others), and the use of AI-generated notes that may repeat standard phrases. These can become problematic in liability lawsuits alleging negligence.

Substance Use Disorders and Treatment

• Social workers play a vital role in counseling, educating, intervening, and connecting individuals to community resources.
• Florida State University’s Stoop Center for Communities, Families, and Children is focused on understanding how substance use affects individuals across all stages of life.

Working With Youths, Individuals, and Families

• While listed last, this may be the most important topic.
• Children, youths, and even young adults face a constantly shifting and often overwhelming environment. Even those with significant resources are not immune to risk.
• Across both younger and older populations, social workers must provide opportunities for education and skill development to support long, productive lives.
• Close healthcare gaps to ensure underserved communities have access to essential care.
• Effective social workers provide support on many issues—including isolation, bullying, discrimination, gender identity, online harassment, learning challenges, and addiction.

In closing: As you help your clients navigate life’s challenges, be sure to navigate your own practice through the ever-present landscape of risk. One significant liability exposure is being caught between two parents in a child custody dispute or divorce litigation. Most professional liability insurance policies exclude coverage for these situations—except Preferra.

Be sure to read your policy thoroughly. With Preferra as your professional liability insurance carrier, you are protected.