Social Work Policy Institute

Social Services in Cuba

In early 2011 NASW sponsored two professional research trips to Cuba to learn about social services in health care, child welfare, and aging. This report describes the activities of both social work delegations and information learned from the experience.

NASW Leads Delegations To Cuba

The country of Cuba, only 90 miles from Florida and a once-common destination for U.S. tourists, has been inaccessible to most Americans since the U.S. embargo of Cuba began in 1962.  With the Obama administration’s recent easing of travel restrictions to Cuba, more Americans have been able to experience the island through educational and cultural tours. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) sponsored two professional research trips to Cuba in early 2011. The first delegation focused on health and child welfare services (February) and the second on social services for older adults (March). Each delegation met special licensing requirements established by the U.S. Department of Commerce for travel to Cuba.

Click here for the full report.