The Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS) was officially formed on 09 December 2012, marking a significant milestone in the professionalization of social work in Kerala. Its inception was the realization of a long-held dream by veteran social workers who envisioned a unified voice to advocate for professional growth, ethical practice, and collective action.

KAPS was registered as a society under the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, 1955. The association emerged as a direct response to the need for a credible and structured platform that could uphold and promote the standards of social work in the state.

With the support of the Association of Schools of Social Work in Kerala (ASSK)—a collective of all schools and departments of social work in Kerala—KAPS gained momentum and credibility. The support extended by educators in PROSA (Professional Social Work Educators in Higher Secondary), as well as practitioners in institutions like Kudumbashree and NRHM, further solidified its foundation.

Over the years, KAPS has evolved into a vibrant platform for professionally trained social workers across Kerala, serving as a hub for knowledge sharing, continuing education, and advocacy. It has not only contributed to the improvement of social work practices but also elevated the public perception of the profession by raising awareness and emphasizing the role of social justice, inclusion, and human rights.

Today, KAPS stands as a beacon of professional excellence, deeply rooted in its historical mission to strengthen the social work community in Kerala and committed to building a just and inclusive society for future generations.