Thousands of refugees have fled Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador to escape violence, criminal victimization, and persecution as a result of the breakdown of public safety that has accompanied the rise of organized crime and drug-related violence. Many of these migrants have experienced torture, rape, abduction, forced labor, arson, and kidnapping. Caregivers and professionals who work with these refugees, including social workers, volunteers, attorneys, and advocates, have repeatedly witnessed severe trauma among refugees as the migrants recount horrific stories about their journeys. We conducted in-depth interviews with 31 individuals who have worked extensively and repeatedly with traumatized refugees. Participants completed the Secondary Traumatic Scale (STSS) and the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL)-Compassion Fatigue (CF) scale. While most participants reported signs and symptoms of secondary traumatic stress, many also demonstrated high levels of compassion satisfaction. In addition, most were involved in self-care. Hispanic participants reported that elements of their culture were protective.

Migrants flee violence, extortion, assault and kidnapping in Central America and Mexico to make the dangerous journey to the U.S. – Mexico border. They experience trauma and adversity at each stage of the journey – prior to departure, enroute, and upon arrival at the border. This mixed methods research project examines protective factors that mediate trauma and support quality of life among migrants. Despite high levels of post-traumatic stress, migrants score high on measures of resilience and quality of life. Participants expressed high levels of religiosity and utilize faith as a coping strategy to lend meaning to their hardship and suffering.

This study examines the prevalence and severity of stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic at a Hispanic-serving institution. The aim of the study is to increase knowledge about student mental health during a public health emergency in order to help develop strategies that promote student success. Using the Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4) and the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety–4 (PHQ-4), we found high levels of stress, depression, and anxiety in the sample. Based on these findings, we propose a greater investment of time and resources to promote mental health and positive coping strategies among college students through culturally competent mental health and supportive programs.

This study identifies the elements of critical cultural competence in social work supervision, discusses barriers to effective supervision, and frames culture as an asset. To more fully explore cultural competence in social work supervision, the research included a survey of 262 social workers to assess their experiences with their workplace supervisors. The authors propose improved practices for critical cultural competence in supervision with a diverse workforce, including consideration of the intersectionality of social class, power relations, identity, and oppressed groups in supervision.

The social professions are increasingly becoming aware of the growth of a “new slavery” in which millions of people, including children, are held in debt bondage or other enslavement. Modern slavery has emerged over the past three decades, facilitated by the globalization of industry and the development of sex tourism. This paper summarizes contemporary global slavery and trafficking, identifies risk factors, and presents what can be done to prevent and eradicate it.