Social Work Students' Experiences and Training Needs After the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks

Abstract

Abstract The terrorist attacks of 9/11/01 created a major life disruption for citizens near and far from New York. This study describes field work experiences of social work students in two different geographic locations inside and outside of New York in the six months after 9/11 in terms of their: (1) reports of client problems, (2) receipt of special training and educational support, and (3) needs for additional personal and professional support that could have been helpful for providing services to clients after the disaster. Geographic differences are analyzed. Suggestions for social work curriculum development and disaster preparedness are discussed.