Recent Publications

Using a Systems Perspective to Examine Child Protection Systems and Practice: a Scoping Review on Child Abandonment and Institutionalization in the Maghreb

In ‘Using a Systems Perspective to Examine Child Protection Systems and Practice: a Scoping Review on Child Abandonment and Institutionalization in the Maghreb’, the authors provide an overview of the current state of the child welfare system in the Maghreb, the sociopolitical region comprised of Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. Among other findings, the authors, F. Baghdadi, Mary Beth Rauktis, C. Hands, A. John, A. Khanom, S. El Mhamdi, A. Soussi, H. Snooks, highlight the fractured state of the current child welfare system, and how state investment in the welfare of children and constitutional recognition of the rights of women and children are both key to enabling cultural change. This study was a collaboration between Swansea University UK, University of Pittsburgh, Fondation Amane pour la Protection de l’Enfance, and Moroccan Children's Trust, UK. Read more.

“That’s not at all what I needed” trans adults’ perspectives on trans-affirming primary care and eating disorders

Transgender and gender diverse people (including both binary transgender persons and those outside the binary) experience higher rates of EDs than the general population. However, little is known about the lived experiences of trans individuals with EDs; and even less is known about their experiences in trans-affirming primary care. This study sought to close this gap in the research. The authors, Emil K. Smith and Erin N. Harrop, found that participants in the study encountered numerous barriers to accessing helpful ED support in the context of trans-affirming primary care, including ED-uninformed providers and weight stigma. Participants at times avoided disclosing their EDs to their primary care provider, fearing that this could result in additional harm (e.g. stigma or delayed gender-affirming medical interventions). Participants also expressed that they wanted their providers to recognize them as whole people (beyond their ED and transness) who experience joy. Read more.

Healing Overflow with Dr. Toy Podcast - New Episode with Hollywood Actor Lamman Rucker

Catch the latest episode of "Healing Overflow with Dr. Toy" featuring Hollywood actor Lamman Rucker!

Podcast Episode Title: "Just Heal Bro - Healing Mental Health in Men with Lamman Rucker"

Known for films like The Temptations and Why Did I Get Married, as well as TV hits like Greenleaf and Meet the Browns, Lamman sits down with Dr. Toya Jones to talk about why he has become a mental health ambassador. Lamman also discusses the importance of focusing on men's mental health and his Black Male Mental Health Tour, "Just Heal Bro", which will be coming to Pittsburgh tomorrow, June 20th!



Click here to watch!

MSW Students making a difference this summer!

At the end of May, MSW students Sophia Ogot, Cruzilious Contreras-Amezcua and Aleah Vogt completed part of their KEYS Service Corps AmeriCorps training volunteering with Friends of the Riverfront. KEYS members collected litter and debris from under the bridges of the Mon Wharf Landing to prevent them from entering waterways. In one hour, members cleared 1,000 lbs of litter and debris.

These students will be spending the summer serving groups of youth at their host sites to improve their academic engagement and life skills. The three objectives of KEYS Service Corps are academic engagement, mentoring, and a service project. Aleah is servings at CitiParks and Cruzilious and Sophia are serving at Project Destiny.