Many of the benefits Americans today take for granted came about because social workers, working with families and institutions, spoke out against abuse and neglect. Working on the front lines against poverty and its attendant miseries, social workers were often the first to see social problems, act on them, and inspire others to do the same. People with mental illness and developmental disabilities are now afforded humane treatment. Workers enjoy unemployment insurance, disability pay, worker's compensation, and social security. Medicaid and Medicare give poor, disabled, and elderly people access to health care.
Society seeks to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Treatment for mental illness and substance abuse is gradually losing its stigma. As they tried to help individuals, social workers recognized the need for systemic remedies. They sought social justice for those who had no voice in public policy and eventually gained better conditions in institutions, the workplace, the home, and the community. The Social Work Centennial dates from the summer of 1898, with the offering of the first classes in social work. Since then, social workers have led the way, developing private and charitable organizations to serve people in need.