Social work education in the Caribbean: charting pathways to growth and globalisation

Abstract

Professional social work education began in the English-speaking Caribbean in 1961. Over time there has been a gradual development of undergraduate and graduate social work programs in the region. These programs which vary in some respects are delivered in multidisciplinary departments in colleges and universities in the region. In every institution a small number of social work faculty members deliver social work training which focuses on preparing social workers to practice in the Caribbean or elsewhere. In addition to the core courses and electives taught in these programs there is the requirement of a supervised internship that takes place within social service agencies. This internship may vary in duration and intensity according to the level of the training offered. Most programs have a regional orientation but faculty are being encouraged by the Association of Caribbean Social Work Educators (ACSWE) to use the IASSW/IFSW Global Standards to benchmark for excellence.