Firearm Access and Safe Storage

Abstract

Social workers often work with clients who are at elevated risk for firearm victimization or perpetration due to their personal risk factors. But are they talking to their clients about firearms? Research on social workers’ firearm assessment or discussions with clients about safe storage is scarce. This study sought to better understand social workers and students’ firearms training, beliefs, general knowledge, and application to practice. An anonymous, online, quantitative survey was completed by 139 social workers and students. Most social work practitioners and students had zero hours of training regarding firearms in their social work programs, their internship, and/or from continuing education units (CEUs). Those that had training asked clients about firearms. Besides asking suicidal and aggressive clients, most social workers were not routinely asking other high- risk clients about their access to firearms or their storage practices. Over half of the participants said they would be interested in future training. Social workers have unique skills and key connections with high-risk clients who are vulnerable to firearm-related risks. They have the potential to prevent gun violence, but only if they receive thorough, effective training on firearms assessment and safe storage practices.