NASW-NJ Opposes Any Efforts to Redefine Child Abuse to Include Gender Affirming Care; Stands in Solidarity with Trans Community in Texas

The National Association of Social Workers–New Jersey Chapter (NASW-NJ) stands opposed to any efforts at the state or federal level to change the definition of child abuse to include “gender affirming care” as referenced in the Texas Attorney General’s non-binding opinion KP-0401 released on February 18, 2022, as well as Texas Governor Abbott’s February 22, 2022 letter to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Commissioner “directing” DFPS to investigate such accusations. These continued attempts to change the definition of child abuse are in direct opposition to social work values, principles, and our Code of Ethics and pose a vast danger to transgender youth and their families.

As mental health professionals working in a variety of settings, social workers are called to care for all persons. Redefining child abuse to include gender affirming care would endanger how mental health professionals serve people in the LGBTQ+ community. The social work Code of Ethics provides a framework for how social workers can work to empower and support the self determination of all people, as well as engage in conversations about identity—including gender identity.

Those conversations within a therapeutic or any social work relationship should never be defined as child abuse.

“This position aligns with NASW-NJ’s previous advocacy actions regarding trans rights and broader LGBTQ+ rights,” said Jennifer Thompson, MSW, Executive Director of NASW-NJ. “Our association has a long history of supporting and protecting trans rights in New Jersey. We are fortunate to live in a progressive state where the vast majority of our elected officials support trans rights. NASW-NJ will continue to stand for trans rights in New Jersey and ensure that all people are treated with the same human dignity and respect.”

We urge policy makers in Texas and across our nation to heed the advice of the legal, medical and mental health professional communities about how these proposed actions would endanger youth and families while negatively impacting the licensed professionals who serve as mandatory reports of child abuse.
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Founded in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with more than 100,000 members. The New Jersey Chapter is the second largest chapter in the United States, with more than 6,500 members. NASW-NJ works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies. Learn more at www.naswnj.org.