Social work practice with Latinos: key issues for social workers.
The Latino population is the fastest growing group in the United States; thus, it is imperative that social workers and other mental health practitioners be knowledgeable about the current literature on how to effectively serve this population. This article elucidates key issues and knowledge, such as immigration and migration concerns; discusses how to assess for levels of acculturation; examines cultural values; and highlights salient work issues and health disparities that Latinos experience. Recommendations on how agencies and universities can recruit and promote bilingual practitioners are introduced. Finally, culturally responsive strategies for professional use of self and fostering the therapeutic alliance are discussed.
University of Washington, Tacoma, WA, USA. rcfurman@u.washington.edu
Rich
R
Furman
Nalini Junko
NJ
Negi
Derek Kenji
DK
Iwamoto
Diana
D
Rowan
Allison
A
Shukraft
Jennifer
J
Gragg
D000069:Acculturation; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012649:Self Concept; D012945:Social Values; D012947:Social Work / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States