Should Courts Be Able to Mandate Psychiatric Care?

Assistant Professor Nev Jones spoke to The Nation about how her work demonstrates how police response, transport, and restraint can be traumatic and make young adults feel as though they’ve done something wrong. Read more.

‘The Ball Is Rolling Now.’ Braddock and West End Teens Share Violence Intervention Initiatives They’ll Roll Out This Summer.

Mary Ohmer, a professor at Pitt's School of Social Work, has led the research team as part of her overall analysis of how neighborhoods build “collective efficacy.” “Now that sounds fancy, but it means building stronger relationships among youth and adults—and their neighbors and their peers—and developing norms and values for the community around [violence] prevention and supporting youth,” Ohmer explained. Read more in PublicSource.

Training Opportunity in Understanding Intimate Partner Violence & Safety Planning

The Survivor Link AmeriCorps program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work is offering a free training opportunity on understanding intimate partner violence and supporting survivors in safety planning and connecting with resources. Led by fellowship students who participated in this program, the training is geared towards current and future social workers practicing in a variety of settings, to support the development of basic skills in understanding and responding to IPV and other forms of gender-based violence.

This 2-hour training will be offered virtually (via Zoom) at two different times, so please choose whichever best fits your schedule. You can click on one of the links below or scan one of the QR codes in the attached flyer to sign up. Continuing education credits will be offered free of charge for those interested (just indicate that interest in the sign-up form).

Wednesday, April 19^th 11am-1pm

Friday, April 21^st 3-5pm

SSW has strong presence at 11th Annual Adolescent and Young Adult Research Symposiums 

The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work made a strong showing at the 11th Annual Adolescent and Young Adult Research Symposiums held at UPMC Children’s Hospital on April 14, 2023. All research presented focused on transforming systems to promote adolescent health.

Dr. Nev Jones presented on 'Pathways to and Through Care for Multisystem Involved Youth and Young Adults with SED/SMI,’ and 2nd year doctoral student Amanda Cruce spoke on ‘LGBTQ+ Youth Need Normalcy Too; A Law Review in Foster Care.’ Students also presented at the symposium poster session. 1st year doctoral student Hyunjin Lee and Dr. Deborah Moon presented on ‘Exploring the Relationship Between Immigrant Parent’s Health Care Access and Children’s Flourishing,’ 2nd year doctoral student Kathryn Luk and Dr. Nev Jones presented on ‘Predictors of Seclusion and Restraint Use in Child Mental Health Residential Treatment Centers,’ and 2nd year doctoral student Bianca De Bellis presented on ‘The Impact of Educator Support on Attachment & Post-Traumatic Stress Severity in Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse.’

‘Vulnerability is not something to run from’: Students contemplate sexual wellness, intimacy through Circle Up conversations

For Dev Hayostek, a masters student in the School of Social Work, the opportunity to forward conversations about sexual agency is something they do not take for granted.

“I feel incredibly lucky to be able to witness humans coming together to share their truths and speak honestly,” Hayostek said.

Hayostek is an employee at Circle Up, a program that aims to generate discussion about sexual agency through guided conversations in welcoming environments. Read more in The Pitt News.

Restore 22 Is On A Mission To Bring Coffee and Camaraderie To Local Veterans

As president of the nonprofit organization Restore 22, retired Air Force Master Sgt. Rob Ree, who has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh, wants to open a cafe in the Coraopolis area where former service members can connect over fresh coffee and pastries. It also will be a place to find resources, from filing Veterans Administration claims and mental health care to resume workshops. The spot will also educate the public about the battles veterans face on the homefront; this is also key to the concept. Read more in Pittsburgh Magazine.