Who We Are

Latino Social Work Network (LSWN) is a growing network of affiliates and individuals determined to make a difference on behalf of the Latino community.

Our Mission

LSWN Orange County's purpose is to advance practice and promote policies which improve access to quality professional social work services for the Latino communities of Orange County. To provide an organizational networking framework whereby Spanish-speaking and Latino service providers can exchange ideas, engage in professional development, discuss problems and issues in their respective communities, and advocate to improve the quality of life for Latinos in Orange County.

Our History

A group of social workers, therapists, and social work interns first met in Orange County in 1995 with the desire to start an affiliate of the statewide organization, the Latino Social Work Network. This group of professionals was interested in bringing the Latino Social Work Network to Orange County to support the social work endeavors in the Latino communities and provide a networking forum for Latino Social Workers. Many of these dedicated professionals attended previous conferences held by LSWN and were inspired by the camaraderie that was experienced. In 1997, the Eighth Annual LSWN conference was held in Orange County. The conference was a tremendous success with attendance of close to 600 people. After that conference the Orange County affiliate was formed. In 2001, Orange County sponsored the Twelfth Annual LSWN Conference, which again was very successful. The affiliate is growing every year with members who are truly dedicated to their profession.