This article outlines the outcomes of a specialized master's of social work (MSW) training program on students' (N=96) ability to work effectively in behavioral health care settings with adolescents and transitional age youth from diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds. Program design, curriculum development, and associated activities…

In an effort to reform public child welfare systems across the nation, Title IV-E child welfare training programs were established over 2 decades ago. Participating students typically engage in a customized educational experience as part of their MSW program that prepares them to work in the field of child welfare upon graduation. This article…

Student-directed projects are increasingly becoming a common phenomenon in schools of social work across the United States. Students acquire a great learning experience from these projects, which sharpen their skills in leadership, innovation, and practice. Social work practitioners who go through such a process emerge having acquired knowledge…

The University of Southern California has developed a comprehensive model for teaching the increasing numbers of social workers practicing in occupational and industrial settings. The program's rationale, themes and objectives, and application across six courses and a field practicum are described. Also noted is the program's utility for…

As an approach to serving adults with mental illness, the Clubhouse Model, developed during the 1950s and 1960s, is particularly suitable for social workers. Clubhouse communities provide support for a full range of daily needs and a participatory environment designed to promote recovery from social isolation and deprivation. Social workers'…

This study of 34 baccalaureate programs in social work that lost their accreditation reveals demographic patterns of the institutions and programs, reasons for termination, current existence of human service-related programs, and plans for social work education and accreditation. (Author/MSE)

This article describes a system recently introduced in Britain for training and certifying social work field instructors. The system addresses concerns about the quantity of competent field instructors and the quality of social work field education. Its impact on field education in the United Kingdom and implications for social work programs and…

A survey of 131 bachelor's level and 30 master's level programs in social work found that less than 20% of undergraduate and 50% of graduate programs offered practica in government relations, electoral politics, and policy advocacy and development, and that existing practica were almost exclusively in government relations. Recommendations for…

Describes establishment of a group at Washington University (Missouri) that encourages doctoral students to write for publication, focusing on the quality of the written work. Steps taken in starting group are detailed, internal review process is explained, evaluation of the first year is shared, and implications for other social work programs…

In a field practicum based in a low-income community, social work students' sense of empowerment depended on the kind of feedback they received from others. The critical source of feedback was the field instructor. A field setting with limited structural supports is liberating to most students but overwhelming for some. (Author/MSE)

A 1994 national survey of deans of 91 accredited social work education programs investigated policies and procedures related to granting advanced standing to social work master's degree students who completed social work foundation courses during undergraduate study. Most have policies and procedures related to advanced standing, but they vary…

An international study investigated social work field instruction in 51 countries and the educational context in which it occurs. Results are reported, including (1) general findings concerning program affiliation and size, student age, program length, placement, field instructor affiliation and training, and payment patterns; and (2) summaries of…

A national survey of 216 human services education programs in community colleges investigated trends in program number, curriculum design, standard-setting, student composition and career paths, faculty affiliation, and graduates in further education and at work. Results indicate a period of renewed program growth and a need for involvement of the…

This article describes the content and design of a model program to prepare social work students to work effectively with severely mentally disturbed children and adolescents. Task analysis of skill areas (assessment, intervention, case management, and critical thinking) informed development of the suggested curriculum. The training program design…