The Paucity of Social Workers Prepared to Work With Latino Populations

This article addresses the reasons why too few social workers are prepared for practice with first- and second-generation Latino individuals and families, primarily from Mexico and Central America. To do so, the authors explore the social and contextual reasons for this paucity. Social risks and vulnerabilities of Latinos are assessed and are connected to social work\u27s mission to serve at-risk populations. The authors make suggestions for steps the profession can take to increase the number and quality of social workers who are equipped to practice with this growing population