1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson launches the Great Society programs. Federal funding is also used to train thousands of social workers and end the social work personnel shortages. Racial discrimination in public places is made illegal. Recipients are required to purchase coupons that are redeemable in food stores. The U.S. Supreme Court issues the Miranda decision, requiring that police inform a suspect of his or her constitutional rights before questioning.
Clerks can replace professionals in administering the income maintenance program.
The In re Gault decision by the U.S. Supreme Court determines that juveniles have the same constitutional rights as adults. The juvenile court system, which had minimized the adversary process and used social workers as advocates and probation officers, is greatly curtailed. Within the next three years, many programs are abolished and others are downgraded and placed within other federal agencies, especially the Community Service Administration. The NASW Delegate Assembly approves the resolution to pursue licensing of social work practice within each state. The plan, which proposes a minimum guaranteed annual income and incentives to encourage people to work, is not enacted.