Summary

The irregular migration phenomenon is a topic of global relevance particularly for the Central American region, and especially for Honduras. This is a reality experienced by thousands of people, who make the decision to leave their country of origin in search of better living conditions. The increased number of irregular immigrants and the challenges they face physically and mentally on their journey make social work interventions critical in addressing the health and mental health needs of the displaced children and families. The adverse consequences of irregular immigration include grief and trauma associated with losing their homeland, loss of identity, loss of cultural familiarity, loss of family members, and the loss of the dream of a new beginning (Murray et al., 2010). Researchers document social work students and professionals report not being prepared to work effectively with this population (Martinez-Brawley & Zorita, 2011). There is little research on the self-report of students and community professional’s competence and comfort level of effectively intervening with this population.This presentation focuses on a pilot study conducted in collaboration between the Schools of Social Work at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras. The project aimed to strengthen the capacities of social work students and community professionals to enable a comprehensive approach in communities with high risk or irregular migration (outgoing, returnees, in transit).Supported by an agreement of cooperation between the two schools, the pilot study consisted of a pretest and posttest methodology of three learning modules centered on migrating families, the process of loss and grief, and trauma. Faculty, students, and community partners from three communities with high risk or irregular migration (Quimistan, La Libertas, and Rio Grande Valley) participated in the training. A pretest and posttest to measure the effectiveness of each training was used.

Keywords (separate with commas)

Irregular migration and social work education. Collaboration between social work school.