Quality Internship Development and Supervision

Abstract

While therapeutic recreation internships have long been required for individuals to be credentialed in Therapeutic Recreation, there have been few requirements for individuals to supervise an intern. Addressing two specific requirements of the Higher Education Task Force report (Carter & Hawkins, 2018), the Quality Internship Subcommittee was formed under the American Therapeutic Recreation Association Quality Providers team. The initial goal of the subcommittee was to advance excellence in internships by providing structure and direction for Therapeutic Recreation internship supervision. Descriptions of three subcommittee outcomes of the Subcommittee are detailed: the Qualified Supervisors Statement, the Internship Manual template, and the Quality Internship Supervisor Training. Limitations and ongoing Subcommittee efforts are noted.