The NASW partnered with ASWB, CSWE, and CSWA to develop a uniform set of technology standards for professional social workers to use as a guide in their practice. The four associations formed the Task Force for Technology Standards in Social Work Practice and jointly developed the Technology Standards in Social Work Practice. The School of Social Work's Jules Gilliam, Lead Instructional Technologist, served on the Technology Standards Sub–Task Force Advisory Group.
The task force met for almost two years reviewing technology literature in social work services and emerging standards in multiple professions. The task force also reviewed relevant statutes and licensing regulations in various jurisdictions. Multiple drafts were prepared and a draft was released for public comment during the summer of 2016. Many comments were received from individual social workers, social work academicians, and groups including the Grand Challenges for Social Work initiative (American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare) and representatives of a Web-based macro social work group.
In developing these standards, the Task Force for Technology Standards in Social Work Practice used several foundation documents, including the NASW Code of Ethics and the ASWB Model Social Work Practice Act, along with many other sources.
The standards use a humanistic framework to ensure that ethical social work practice can be enhanced by the appropriate use of technology.