Mission Statement:  The Latino (or Latin American/Latinx/Latine) Social Workers Affinity Group of the NASW-MD Chapter is dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering network for Latino/a social workers in Maryland. Our mission is to bring together professionals who identify as Latino/a to uplift and strengthen each other while advancing the social work profession. We are committed to identifying and addressing key issues where the Latino community in Maryland remains underrepresented, advocating for increased representation within the field of social work, and ensuring that Latino/a voices are heard in both policy and practice. Through collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy, we aim to enhance the impact of social work on Maryland residents, promote the inclusion of Latino/a perspectives, and elevate the profession to better serve our diverse communities. Together, we work to create a more inclusive, equitable, and effective social work practice in Maryland.

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Title Spirituality, Religion, and Faith and the Delivery of Culturally Responsive Ethical Social Work

Date: December 3, 2026

Time: 9:00-12:15 pm 

Description: As social workers strive toward increasing their cultural competence it is necessary to explore the spiritual dimension that is often part of the human experience. This workshop will focus on strategies for social workers to invite clients to discuss the role of spirituality and religious practices in their lives. In addition, social workers’ personal bias will be explored to maximize the effect of their work with various religious cultures. NASW Code of Ethics sections covered: 1.04, 1.05, and 2.01. 

Objectives: Participants will: 

1. Develop a Cultural Competence Self-assessment 

2. Identify the role of ethics when delivering services to religiously/ philosophically diverse clients 

3. Learn strategies to create an environment that is welcoming, respectful, religiously and philosophically diverse 

4. Consider different ideas about the role of religious and philosophical expression on those we serve and its impact on the helping process 

5. Explore the impact on the casework process from engagement to closing. 

CEUS: 3 CAT 1 in ethics

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Title: Creating the Space for Effective Clinical Supervision: Safe Space AND Brave Space

Date: August 6, 2026
Time: 9 am- 12:15 pm 
Presenter: Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C  

Description: This engaging and interactive workshop is designed for behavioral health supervisors who are committed to fostering meaningful and ethically sound clinical supervision. Participants will explore the foundational purpose of clinical supervision and deepen their understanding of supervisory standards and responsibilities. Through discussion and reflection, the workshop will address the complex and often difficult topics that arise in behavioral health service delivery. A central focus will be on cultivating both Safe Space, where supervisees feel protected and supported, —and Brave Space, —where challenging conversations and growth can occur. Participants will leave with practical strategies to create supervisory environments that balance safety with courage, enabling authentic dialogue, professional development, and improved client outcomes. 

Objectives: Participants will: 

1. - Identify the core purpose and value of clinical supervision in social work practice. 

2. - Identify and apply the standards and responsibilities for supervision as outlined in state Boards of Social Work, including COMAR 10.42.08. 

3. - Recognize and navigate difficult topics that commonly arise in behavioral health service delivery. 

4. - Define the concepts of Safe Space and Brave Space and describe their relevance to clinical supervision. 

5. - Implement strategies to foster supervisory environments that support both psychological safety and courageous dialogue. 

CEUs: 3 Cat 1 in Supervision 

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Title: Reclaiming Our Social Work Roots for Ethical Practice

Date: September 24, 2026

Time: 9:00 am -12:15 pm 

Description: In today’s complex and evolving practice environments, social workers are increasingly called upon to navigate ethical issues with clarity, confidence, and integrity. This interactive workshop invites participants to reconnect with the foundational values and principles of the profession to strengthen ethical decision-making in contemporary practice. Through reflective exercises and practical tools, participants will explore the core elements of ethical reasoning and the enduring relevance of the NASW Code of Ethics. The session will highlight key ethical concepts including Best Interests of the Client, Protection of the Vulnerable, Client Self-Determination, Privacy & Confidentiality, and Conflicts of Interest. Participants will also examine risk management strategies that support ethical and accountable practice in diverse settings. NASW Code of Ethics sections covered: the six Ethical Values, and all sections of the code.   

Objectives: Participants will: 

• Distinguish the basic elements and terms used for ethical decision-making. 
•Examine the use of the professional ethical code and the function served by an ethical code. 
•Identify the common ethical concepts relevant to social work practice, including: Best Interests of the Client, Protection of the Vulnerable, Client Self-Determination, Privacy & Confidentiality, and Conflicts of Interest. 
•Examine Risk Management strategies for ethical practice. 

CEUS: 3 CAT 1 in ethics 

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Self-Care: Our Ethical Responsibilities to Our Clients. You Cannot Pour Water from an Empty Glass

Presenter: Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C 
 
Description: The National Association of Social Workers identify self-care as critical for ethical practice. The NASW Code of Ethics states, “Professional self-care is paramount for competent and ethical social work practice. Professional demands, challenging workplace climates, and exposure to trauma warrant that social workers maintain personal and professional health, safety, and integrity.” This workshop will unpack this principle by identifying the ethical issues related to self-care and the delivery of social work. Participants were invited to explore strategies and deepen their self-care practices to enhance best client outcomes. NASW Code of Ethics sections covered: Purpose (last paragraph), 1.01, 1.02, 1.04 and 2.01)
 
Objectives: Participants will:
1. Identify & define the ethical issues which impact social work intervention and the professional, including primary traumatic stress, secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and burnout.  
2. Explore strategies for ethical practice including the balance of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue.  
3. Identify the causes and signs of stress and obstacles for recovery.  
4. Develop an individualized ethical plan including assessment, identification of supports, as well as an agency assessment to support overall well-being and effective client outcomes.  
 
CEUs: 3 CAT 1 in Ethics

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