Research Note—Teaching Financial Social Work in Social Work Education: A Brief Update

Despite the growing financial vulnerability of many U.S. households, schools of social work have been slow to take up curricular changes that adequately prepare practitioners for financial social work (FSW). This research note reports on a survey using a convenience sample of 54 U.S. social work faculty who have expressed interest in FSW. Results suggest that while some topics are commonly taught (e.g., financial practice with communities, household income, and credit and debt), other important topics are rarely covered (e.g., financial fraud, identity theft, collections, garnishment, bankruptcy, and insurance). Of the FSW content currently taught, most is included in existing courses. However, there are some courses entirely devoted to FSW. The results further suggest that dissemination of practical course materials may encourage faculty to teach new FSW topics. Researchers and practitioners should increase both the visibility and incentives for teaching financial topics in social work education.