Through a foundation-university partnership, master’s-level social work students at several universities have been provided with opportunities to develop harm reduction-informed social work practice and macro-level advocacy skills. Students, practicum supervisors, and program directors report various challenges and successes with incorporating harm reduction approaches and initiatives in their institutions.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
1. Participants will be able to understand the core principles and philosophy of harm reduction, and the key roles of social workers and other behavioral health professionals that are in alignment with these approaches, including advocacy, policy influence, education, clinical practice, and support services.
Participants will be able to describe and assess a university-based, harm reduction-informed educational initiative that supports social work students’ critical engagement with substance use-focused practices and policies.
Participants will be able to identify how to develop similar initiatives in their own professions and institutions, anticipating potential barriers and facilitators while doing so.
