新作坊

Challenges to Recruit and Retain American Indian and Alaskan Natives into Social Work Programs: The Impact on the Child Welfare Workforce

摘要：

This study used a mixed-model survey design to examine the perceptions of 47 American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) BSW and MSW students enrolled in social work programs across the US to determine the challenges associated with recruitment and retention. The findings are supported in the literature. Findings indicate that social work academic programs have not made substantial gains in the recruitment and retention of AI/AN students over several decades. Students identified the following seven major barriers to successful recruitment and retention: 1. a lack of AI/AN professors; 2. a shortage of field placement agencies that serve AI/AN clients; 3. the conflicts between students' academic obligations and responsibilities to their families and tribal communities; 4. the students' feelings of cultural isolation; 5. the need for AI/AN role models and mentors; 6. a lack of understanding by universities of cultural customs and traditional values; and 7. racism. Implications for policy and practice are offered.