OUR STORY

It’s amazing what can grow from a shared purpose.

SWEAR was formed in October 2022 in response to the ASWB’s data release confirming what social workers have long seen firsthand: current licensing exams create uneven outcomes that keep capable professionals from advancing and leave communities waiting longer for needed care. These exams limit opportunities for many qualified social workers, including those who are minoritized, multilingual, older, or deaf, and prevent others from achieving independent practice or promotions.

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SWEAR is dedicated to identifying and addressing long-standing structural problems in social-work policy and practice so that licensing and employment systems truly measure skill and readiness, not test-taking ability or access to privilege.

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We believe that unnecessary barriers have no place in a profession built on compassion, service, and respect for human dignity. That principle applies not only to the clients we serve, but also to the professionals who make this work possible. Social work should always reflect and support the communities it serves.

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What has SWEAR accomplished so far?

During the 2023 Maryland Legislative Session, SWEAR collaborated with State Senator Mary Washington to advance SB871, establishing a workgroup to examine social-work licensing in Maryland. We successfully encouraged a broad range of participants — not just the traditional voices — to join that discussion. Progress of that scope often takes years, but this milestone happened in one session.

Several SWEAR-aligned members serve on the licensing workgroup from October 2023 to June 2025. Given our small size, that commitment took most of our focus in 2024. At the same time, we heard from many applicants frustrated by delays at the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE). In response, we developed a practical guide that has helped numerous applicants move their paperwork forward and navigate the process more smoothly. (What else would you expect from social workers?)

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We continue to monitor BSWE operations closely, especially as the conversation on licensing reform evolves.

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In the 2025 Legislative Session, we again partnered with Senator Mary Washington and Delegate Jamila Woods to support SB 379/HB 1521. Although it did not pass the Senate committee this year, we remain committed to advancing these reforms in the future.

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Want to take part in our work?

Reach out and join our mailing list to learn how you can get involved in strengthening the social work profession for everyone it serves.