The rapid aging of our society, and the related increase in the need of older adults for services and care, are major challenges of the 21st century. The profession of social work is at the forefront of those facing this challenge and is also in a unique position to respond - both to meet immediate needs and also to establish a higher standard of care for the future.

The Institute is committed to becoming a national leader in developing the workforce of social workers to meet the challenges of a growing and changing population of older Americans. Through innovative and wide-ranging education and training efforts, IGSW provides practicing B.S.W. and M.S.W. social workers -- the large majority of whom have received little or no geriatric training -- with the knowledge, skills and tools they require to meet the needs of older adults and their family members.

IGSW is also committed to expanding practice and reimbursement options for geriatric social workers. IGSW is conducting research to demonstrate the effectiveness of social work interventions designed to improve the lives of older people, and will support innovative model programs in geriatric social work practice. IGSW also informs and seeks to influence policy-makers through the dissemination of pragmatic, timely information that documents the efficacy, benefits and outcomes of empirically-based geriatric social work practice.