Prohibiting Harmful Practices Against LGBTQIA + Individuals and Students in Field Placement: Recommendations

Abstract

Field practicum is known as the "signature pedagogy" for social work. Though the Council of Social Work Education's accreditation standards guide the placement processes, research on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQIA+) students shows that this population continues to face discrimination in practicum placements. In this point-of-view article, we present conflicts that can arise when programs do not have explicit conversations with agencies about LGBTQIA+ inclusivity. We discuss current accreditation standards and relevant points from the Code of Ethics that support implementation of specific protections for LGBTQIA+ students and clients in practicum placements. Recommendations are made for addressing barriers of equity now and in future iterations of the EPAS.