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.
Furman
Rich
R
University of Washington, Tacoma, WA, USA. rcfurman@u.washington.edu
Negi
Nalini Junko
NJ
Iwamoto
Derek Kenji
DK
Rowan
Diana
D
Shukraft
Allison
A
Gragg
Jennifer
J
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