Rural Challenges in Social Work Regulation

Purpose: Social work practice and its regulation pose special challenges in rural areas. The present study reports findings from a statewide assessment of the social work labor force in a midwestern state, focusing on workforce issues in rural communities. Methods: Researchers used a mixed-methods approach to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data through sequenced study phases, conducting focus groups, key informant interviews, and surveys. Results: The statewide assessment identified challenges in rural communities that inform critical issues in recruiting and retaining social workers and in social work monitoring, including access to supervision, continuing education, licensure portability, and equity and justice. Discussion: Study results suggest strategies for improving the recruitment and retention of rural social workers and areas for future research.