The National Association for Welfare Research and Statistics is a nonprofit association whose purpose is to exchange ideas for the advancement of research and statistics in the field of public welfare. NAWRS is organized exclusively for educational and scientific purposes.

NAWRS sponsors an annual workshop for discussion of research, statistics, public policy, and reporting issues. The NAWRS workshop promotes the exchange of ideas on the collection, analysis, presentation, and application of data in the field of human services. It provides a forum to establish and renew professional relationships, to share experiences, and to explore ways in which research and statistical data analysis can contribute to the development and administration of effective social welfare programs.

Workshop participants include representatives from state, federal, and local government, from universities, and from for-profit and non-profit organizations. The NAWRS annual workshop is open to all persons involved in the field of public welfare.