Solving the ‘wicked problems’ of child welfare will require comprehensive reform

Over the last year, social work leaders, child welfare administrators, researchers, philanthropists, and policymakers have gathered to debate the “wicked problems” of child welfare, including how to reverse the traumatic effects of maltreatment and neglect on child well-being and how to overcome the barriers that prevent children from returning home or finding safe and permanent homes with alternative caregivers.

For UNC School of Social Work Professor Mark Testa, who helped spearhead these initial discussions, the real work toward comprehensive reform is now ready to begin. The first step: Finding innovative ways to bridge the research and practice divide. Read story

Partnerships with universities in China continue

UNC School of Social Work Dean Jack Richman spent 10 days in China this spring as part of an ongoing partnership with several international peers to share academic research and training.

Richman was invited to teach three MSW classes at East China University of Science and Technology, School of Social and Public Administration and one BSW class at East China Normal University. During the trip, Richman also presented to 50 social work practitioners from various agencies in the Huangpu District in Shanghai. His lectures focused on intervention research and translating practice theory into evidence-based practice. Story + photo gallery

School salutes field instructors with conference, video

The School recently hosted its annual Appreciation Conference for Field Instructors and Task Supervisors. The School has a strong commitment to supporting its field instructors, from more than 300 agencies in the Triangle and Piedmont areas. 125 of these social work professionals spent a day at the School interacting with faculty, attending workshops and networking.

A conference highlight was a video featuring students personally describing their admiration and respect for their field instructors and talking about all they had learned from their mentors. Story + video

Jack M. Richman, Ph.D.
Dean and Professor
(919) 962-5650
jrichman@email.unc.edu