You are here
Robert M. Ortega
Associate Dean for Educational Programs and Associate Professor of Social Work
Associate Professor Robert Ortega’s research interests are in the areas of relationship development, group work practice, treatment interventions and service utilization particularly in the areas of mental health and child welfare. Dr. Ortega has presented and written on these topics with a special focus on diversity and social justice in research and practice. He has published in the areas of mutual aid, multicultural issues in group work, child welfare permanency planning, family preservation and culturally responsive child welfare practice. He is the principal investigator of the first national study of Latinos and child welfare. He has expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods and is currently working on projects related to increasing the pipeline for graduates from under-represented groups into research scientist professions, training child welfare managers and supervisors, and culturally responsive comprehensive child maltreatment assessments and treatment. He is the recipient of the 2013 Recent Distinguished Contributions to Social Work Education awarded by the national Council on Social Work Education. Dr. Ortega serves as consultant on several national research projects and organizations focusing on social work, child welfare and social justice issues.
Research Interests/Focus
Child welfare, juvenile justice, serious mental illness.
Contact Information
| Phone | Room | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|
| (734) 763-6576 | rmortega@umich.edu | 2839 SSWB | University of Michigan School of Social Work 1080 S. University Ann Arbor, MI 48109 |
Education
| Year | Degree | School | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | PhD | Social Work and Social Psychology | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor |
| 1987 | MA | Social Psychology | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor |
| 1983 | MSW | Families and Groups | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor |
| 1977 | BA | Psychology | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor |
News
| Year | Description |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Ortega, R.M (w/ Mary Ortega, Lynn Teriberry and Lia Coval). Working with Sexually Reactive Juveniles and Their Families During Covid: A Trauma and Culturally Informed Assessment and Treatment. 2023 APSAC Colloquium, Denver Downtown Sheraton, Denver, Colorado. |
| 2023 | Ortega, R.M. (w/ Mary Ortega). Silence Has Words: What Abused Children (and Their Caretakers) Tell Us When They Say Nothing. What Cultural Humility Teaches Us About Protecting Children Beau Biden First Annual National Conference to Protect Children. National Harbor, Fort Washington, MD. |
| 2023 | Ortega, R.M. (2023, June) What Cultural Humility Teaches Us About Protecting Children. Beau Biden First Annual National Conference to Protect Children. National Harbor, Fort Washington, MD. |
| 2022 | Ortega, R.M. (Panel w/ Joyce Thomas and Viola Vaughan-Eden). (2022, June) Child Maltreatment Pioneers: History Matters. 29th APSAC Colloquium. New Orleans, LA. |
| 2022 | Ortega, R.M. & Garvin, Charles D. (2022, June) Applying Critical Race Theory: Examining Critical Aspects of Group Interactions to Address Harm. International Association of Social Work in Groups Virtual Symposium. |
| 2021 | Ortega, R.M. and Garvin, C.D. (2021, June) Socially just practice: Implications for social work with Groups. International Association of Social Work in Groups Virtual Symposium. |
| 2020 | Ortega, R. M., Ortega, M. B., & Ayers, E. (2020, September). The voice of silence in child maltreatment disclosure process: A multicultural perspective. 2020 APSAC Colloquium, (Virtual). |
| 2020 | Ortega, R. M. & Garvin, C. (2020, June). Group worker and member responses to instances of oppression and marginalization in groups. International Association of Social Work in Groups Virtual Symposium. |
| 2019 | Ortega, R. M., Cohen, C., Kelly, B. L., & Muskat, B. (2019, October). Group work in social work education: Harnessing the past, strengthening the future. Panel presentation at Council on Social Work Education APM. Denver, Colorado. |
| 2019 | Ortega, R. M., & Lee, J. (2019, June). Parenting assessment of alleged abusive custodial fathers. 2019 APSAC Colloquium, Salt Lake City, Utah. |
| 2019 | Ortega, R. M., Ortega, M. B., & Avi-Yonah, O. (2019, June). Listening to the depths of their despair: Utilizing cultural humility to listen to the trauma narratives of clients. 2019 APSAC Colloquium, Cultural Institute 2019: Hot Topics in Culture & Child Maltreatment. Salt Lake City, Utah. |
| 2018 | Ortega, R. M and panelists Dr. Harry Edwards (Author and Civil Rights Activist), Jeryne Fish (Track & Field), G. Ryan, (Swimming & Diving), Dr. Lynn Videka (Dean of Social Work), moderated by Dr. Ketra Armstrong (Professor and Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Faculty Affairs, School of Kinesiology). (2018, January). The fierce urgency of now. MLK Day Town Hall and Panel Discussion. The University of Michigan Athletic Department, Cliff Keen Arena, Ann Arbor, MI. |
| 2018 | Ortega, R.M. (Keynote). (2018, March). The tapestry of caring... Bay Area Academy - Monterrey County, Veteran's Memorial Blgd, Salinas, CA. |
| 2018 | Ortega, R.M. (Keynote). (2018, April). Cultural humility and the ethic of caring in a socially just world. NASW-MI., Social Work Ethics Institute, Eastern Michigan University – Student Center, Ypsilanti, MI. |
| 2018 | Ortega, RM (w/ C.D. Garvin, PhD). (2018, June). Social justice and social work in groups. International Association of Social Work in Groups, 2018 South Africa International Symposium. Kruger National Park - Kukuza Rest Area, Mpumalanga, S. Africa. |
| 2018 | Ortega, R.M. w/ Dee Hunt, Elizabeth Armstrong, Kaaren Williamsen and Pam Heatlie (Dan Little, Facilitator). (2018, October). Diversity, equity and inclusion summit panel – Promoting equity and inclusion: Eliminating sexual misconduct at U-M. Graduate Terrace Ballroom, Ann Arbor, MI., |
| 2018 | Ortega, R.M. (2018, November). Social justice and counseling in groups. University of Michigan, Counseling and Psychological Services - Hal Korn Series. Palmer Commons Great Lakes South, Ann Arbor, MI. |
| 2015 | Ortega, R. M., Duntley-Matos, R. (2015, April). Scholarship from the heart: Implications for research and cultural practice. National Association of Social Workers, Michigan Chapter Annual Conference. Kalamazoo, MI. |
| 2015 | Ortega, R. M. (2015, April). Culture, Caring and the Inclusive Workplace. Marywood University College of Health and Human Services, Keynote speaker at the School of Social Work 2015 Spring Colloquium, 17th Annual Fergus T. Monahan Lecture, Scranton, PA. |
| 2015 | Ortega, R. M. (2015, May). Finding A Place For Cultural Humility In A Culture Of Caring. Creating a Culture of Collaboration, Keynote speaker at the 2015 NASW-NJ Annual Conference, Borgata Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ. |
| 2014 | Ortega, R. M. (2014, May). Appropriate and inappropriate uses of culture in child welfare decision-making. Bergstrom Child Welfare Law Summer Fellowship Program, University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, MI. |
| 2014 | Ortega, R. M. (2014, June). Interviewing offending fathers. 22nd Annual Colloquium, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC). New Orleans, LA. |
| 2014 | Ortega, R. M., (2014, July). Infusing recovery in practice and field instruction. Recovery to Practice Series, Part III – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Webinar. Washington DC. |
| 2014 | Ortega, R. M., Vandervort, F., Chopp, D., (2014, July). Culture on trial. 31st Conference of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work, Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus, New York, NY. 2014 |
| 2014 | Ortega, R. M., Nelson-Gardell, D., Vaughan-Eden, V. (2014, July). Child welfare and cultural sensitivity. 31st Conference of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work. Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus, New York, NY. |
| 2014 | Ortega, R. M. (2014, July). Finding the place for cultural humility in the healing process. Keynote speaker at the 31st Conference of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work. Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus, New York, NY. |
| 2014 | Ortega, R. M. (2014, September). Social work and sport: Surveying the landscape. University of Michigan Undergraduate Theme Semester, Ann Arbor, MI. |
| 2014 | Ortega, R. M. (2014, September). Cultural humility and caring. Neuro Restorative Michigan Rehabilitation Center, Ann Arbor, MI. |
| 2014 | Ortega, R. M., Duntley-Matos, R. (2014, October). Scholarship from the heart: Implications for research and cultural practice. Association of Behavioral Sciences and Medical Education, Newport, CA. |
| 2014 | Ortega, R. M. (2014, October). Cultural humility and the relevance of caring. Keynote speaker at the Association of Behavioral Sciences and Medical Education, Newport, CA. |
| 2014 | Ortega, R. M., Duntley-Matos, R. (2014, October). Scholarship from the heart: Transforming social work and community participatory pedagogical engagement. Council on Social Work Education 2014 Annual Program Meeting. Tampa, FL. |
| 2014 | Ortega, R. M. (2014, October). Social Work's Grand Challenges in the Next Decade: Bringing a Latino Perspective: A Focus on Latinos in Child Welfare. Council on Social Work Education 2014 Annual Program Meeting. Tampa, FL. |
| 2014 | Ortega, R. M. (2014, December). Cultural humility and caring. University Library Series. The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. |
| 2007 | Ortega, R. M., & Vandervort, F. (2007, March). Child welfare cultural and legal training: Developing models of effective child welfare staff recruitment and retention training project. Presented at The Guidance Center, Southgate, MI. |
| 2007 | Ortega, R. M., Faller, K., & Vidal-Haymes, M. (2007, March). Cultural humility in child welfare practice. Panel presentation presented at the US Department of Health and Human Services - Administration of Children and Families Grantee's Meeting, Washington, DC. |
| 2007 | Ortega, R. M. (2007, January). Racial and ethnic diversity in the initial child welfare experience: Exploring areas of convergence and divergence. Presented at the National Study of Child and Adolescent Well-Being Conference, Washington, DC. |
| 2006 | Ortega, R. M. (2006, January). Cultural humility and clinical practice. Presented at the University Center for the Child and Family MLK, Jr. featured workshop, University of Michigan Department of Psychology, Ann Arbor. |
| 2006 | Ortega, R. M. (2006, February). Multicultural family assessment. Presented at the Family Assessment Clinic workshop, University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor. |
| 2006 | Ortega, R. M., & Faller, K. (2006, December). Child welfare cultural humility training: Developing models of effective child welfare staff recruitment and retention training project. Presented in Detroit, MI. |
| 2006 | Ortega, R. M. (2006, November). Cultural responses to trauma. Presented at the BISC-MI 11th Annual Conference, Gaylord, MI. |
| 2006 | Ortega, R. M. (2006, April). Commitment and humility in international study. Keynote address presented at the GIEU Convocation. |
| 2006 | Ortega, R. M. (2006, May). Poverty, stress and Latino child maltreatment: Is the Latino paradox at work? Presented at the Cinco de Mayo Annual Conference, Saginaw Hispanic Mental Health Association, Saginaw State University. |
| 2005 | Ortega, R. M., Faller, K. C., & McPherson, M. (2005, August). Cultural humility and child welfare practice. Presented at the Child Welfare Institute and Michigan Department of Human Services, Southeast Michigan. |
| 2005 | Ortega, R. M., Gutierrez, L. M., & Yeakley, A. (2005, March). Current, emerging and anticipated challenges to social work practice with Latinos. Presented at the Council on Social Work Education 51st APM, New York, NY. |
| 2005 | Cormier, D., & Ortega, R. M. (2005, July). Leaving child welfare. Presented at the University of Michigan Summer Research Opportunity Program Symposium, Ann Arbor, MI. |
| 2005 | Ortega, R. M. (2005, October). Diversity in social work research. Presented at the University of Michigan Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, Ann Arbor, MI. |
| 2004 | Ortega, R. M., & Gutierrez, L. (2004, March). Latino grassroots organizing: Responses to global oppression. Presented at the 50th Annual CSWE APM, Anaheim, CA. |
| 2004 | Ortega, R. M. (2004, March). Latino child well-being: Implications from the MexUSCan Project. Presented at the Minority Health Care Symposium, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor. |
| 2004 | Ortega, R. M., & Gutierrez, L. M. (2004, October). Multicultural social work research: Group work for social action and change. Presented at Group work Reaching Across Boundaries: Disciplines, Seasons of Life, Practice Settings, Cultures and Nations, Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups Annual Conference, Detroit, MI. |
| 2004 | Ortega, R. M. (2004, October). Lessons learned from research on Latinos. Presented at the DHHS, Office of Minority Health 1st Annual Conference, Closing the Disparity Gap for Racial and Ethnic Minority Children: An Investment in Our Future, The Loews L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, Washington, DC. |
| 2003 | Ortega, R. M. (2003). Training for cultural competence in the human services. Presented at the Southwest Counseling and Development Services, Detroit, MI. |
| 2003 | Ortega, R. M. (2003, March). Child well-being and Latino youth. Presented at the Child Welfare League of America - National Council of Latino Annual Conference, Washington, DC. |
| 2002 | Ortega, R. M., & Issacs, M. (2002, April). Cultural competence in the planning and delivery of mental health services in southwest Detroit. Presented at the Southwest Detroit Counseling and Development Services, Detroit, MI. |
| 2002 | Ortega, R. M. (2002, January). Social demographics and Latino child welfare: Implications for the new millenium. Presented at the Impact of ASFA on Latino Families Conference, Palisades, New York. |
| 2002 | Ortega, R. M. (2002, March). The status of Latinos and child welfare. Presented at the National Council of Latino Executives Special Symposium, Washington, DC. |
| 2001 | Ortega, R. M., & Ortega, M. B. (2001, April). Child welfare and Latino families: In their own voices. Presented at the New Mexico Highlands University School of Social Work Alumni Association First Annual Multicultural Conference, Rio Rancho, NM. |
| 2001 | Ortega, R. M., Lum, D., Hampton, R., Walters, K., & Williams, O. (2001, March). Cultural competence in child welfare practice: A collaboration between practitioners and academicians. Presented at the Council on Social Work Education, 47th Annual Program Meeting, Dallas, TX. |
| 2001 | Ortega, R. M., Yeakley, A., & Gutierrez, L. (2001, March). Integrating content on Latinos into social work curriculum. Presented at the Council on Social Work Education, 47th Annual Program Meeting, Dallas, TX. |
| 2001 | Ortega, R. M., & Gutierrez, L. (2001, March). Mexuscan collaboratory project. Presented at the Council on Social Work Education, 47th Annual Program Meeting, Dallas, TX. |
| 2001 | Ortega, R. M. (2001, April). The Latino family mosaic. Presented at the Dr. Fleming A. Barbour Community Conference, UM-Flint / Mott Children's Health Center. |
| 2001 | Ortega, R. M. (2001, April). Cross-cultural perspectives. Panel presented at the New Mexico Highlands University School of Social Work Alumni Association First Annual Multicultural Conference, Rio Rancho, NM. |
| 2001 | Ortega, R. M., & Gutierrez, L. M. (2001, June). Consumer participation: SSIC, a case example. Presented at the Society for Community Action and Research National Conference, Georgia State University. |
| 2000 | Ortega, R. M. (2000, February). Latinos and child welfare: New Mexico and the national landscape. Presented at the New Mexico Highlands University Field Practicum Workshop. |
| 2000 | Ortega, R. M. (2001, April). Research on Latinos and child welfare: Implications for child welfare services in New Mexico. Presented at the Agency In-Service, New Mexico Children, Youth and Family Division. |
| 2000 | Ortega, R. M. (2000, September). Latinos and child well-being: Implications from child welfare. Presented at The Institute of Government and Public Affairs Research Symposium, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. |
| 2000 | Ortega, R. M. (2000, October). When quantitative research isn't enough. Presented at the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. |
| 1999 | Ortega, R. M. (1999, December). Evaluating professional social work education. Presented at New Mexico Highlands University Alumni Series, Santa Fe, NM. |
| 1999 | Ortega, R. M. (1999, June). The impact of race and ethnicity on children in the child welfare system: Implications from Latino child welfare research. Presented at the Children's International Institute, Second National Forum, Los Angeles, CA. |
| 1998 | Ortega, R. M., & Suarez, Z. (1998, January). Mental health service delivery and Latinos: Implications for practice. Presented at the Wayne State University Continuing Education Program, Detroit Southwest Community Mental Health Center. |
| 1998 | Ortega, R. M., Gutierrez, L., & Suárez, Z. (1998, March). Child welfare and Latinos: Implications for social work education. Presented at the Council on Social Work Education National Conference, Orlando, FL. |
| 1998 | Ortega, R. M. (1998, May). Multiculturalism and social work practice: A contextual approach. Presented at the National Association of Social Workers, Michigan Chapter Conference, Grand Traverse, MI. |
| 1998 | Ortega, R. M., & Gutierrez, L. (1998, August). Integrating education and action for social work with Latinos. Presented at the Midwest Council of Latino Research Annual Conference, Indiana University, Bloomington. |
| 1998 | Ortega, R. M., Gutierrez, L., Barbarin, O., Spencer, M., McCray, V., & Kimmons, S. (1998, August). Educating undergraduates for research and action in urban communities. Presented at the 1998 American Psychological Association Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA. |
| 1997 | Ortega, R. M., & Nuñez, E. (1997, January). Latinos and child welfare: Voces de la comunidad. Presented at the Fourth National Child Welfare Conference, Washington, DC. |
| 1997 | Ortega, R. M. (1997, June). Latinos and the national landscape. Presented at the Child Welfare League of America Mid-Atlantic Training Conference, Baltimore, MD. |
| 1997 | Ortega, R. M., Lara, G., & Ross, G. (1997, October). Latinos and child welfare: Voices from the community. Presented at the Child Welfare League of America Midwest Region Training Conference, Detroit, MI. |
| 1997 | Ortega, R. M. (1997, March). Latinos and child welfare: Voices from the families. Presented at the American Orthopsychiatry Association National Conference, Toronto. |
| 1997 | Ortega, R. M. (1997, July). Status of the Latino child: Demographics and interpretation. Presented at The Northeast Regional Forum on Latino Children and Families, The Latino Tri-State Fund and the Committee on Hispanic Children and Families, New York. |
| 1996 | Ortega, R. M. (1996, August). Transformational leadership: The real life experiences of activist scholars. Presented at the Midwest Consortium for Latino Research Scholars' Roundtable, From Transformed to Transformational Leadership: Latino Scholarship and Activism, Lincoln, NE. |
| 1996 | Ortega, R. M. (1996, Otober). Latinos and child welfare: Voices of the community. Presented at The University of Michigan Clinical Psychology Brownbag Series. |
| 1996 | Ortega, R. M. (1996, November). Latino child welfare research and activism: Lessons from the Latino child welfare project. Presented at the The University of Michigan School of Social Work Doctoral Student Brownbag Series. |
| 1993 | Ortega, R. M. (1993, March). Career planning as Latinos. Presented at the Midwest Latino Student Leadership Development Symposium, Center for Chicano-Boricua Studies and the Midwest Consortium for Latino Research, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. |
| 1993 | Ortega, R. M. (1993, July). Adoption in Michigan: Who wins and who loses? Presented at the Workshop on Building a Case for Adoption as a Child Welfare Service, North American Conference on Adoptable Children, Milwaukee, WI. |
| 1993 | Ortega, R. M., & Villaruel, R. (1993, November). The Latino population and the challenge for national health care reform: Data collection and management issues. Presented at The Sixth Annual Conference on Latino Issues, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. |
| 1993 | Ortega, R. M. (1993, February). Latinos and the university setting: A cultural duet. Presented at the Program on Intergroup Relations, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. |
| 1993 | Ortega, R. M. (1993, March). Families as systems in communities. Keynote address presented at Focus on Families: Healing the Past, Facing the Future, Human Service Division, Siena Heights College. |
| 1993 | Ortega, R. M. (1993, September). Adoption in a family preservation context: Reinventing child welfare. Presented at the Conference of National Child Welfare Leaders sponsored by the Center for the Study of Youth Policy. |
| 1992 | Ortega, R. M. (1992, July). Adoption trends in Michigan: Building a case for better data. Presented at the Workshop on Building a Case for Adoption as a Child Welfare Service, North American Conference on Adoptable Children, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. |
| 1992 | Ortega, R. M. (1992, August). Commitment in marriage: For better and for worse. Presented at the Symposium on Relationship Transitions in Adult Development, at the American Psychological Association National Conference, Washington, DC. |
| 1992 | Ortega, R. M. (1992, March). Infants in placement. Presented at Making Change Happen: Trends, Trials and Transformations, Seventh Annual Maternal and Child Health Leadership Conference, Chicago, IL. |
| 1992 | Ortega, R. M. (1992, June). Foster care and African Americans in Michigan. Presented at the Detroit Area Black Social Work Forum, Detroit, MI. |
| 1991 | Ortega, R. M. (1991, November). Trends in care for Michigan's children. Presented at the Field Instructor's Workshop, School of Social Work, The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. |
| 1991 | Ortega, R. M. (1991, December). Understanding delinquent behavior: Issues for service delivery. Presented at the Parent-Child Dispute Resolution Center Training Workshop, El Paso, TX. |
| 1988 | Ortega, R. M., & Chadiha, L. (1988, November). A narrative approach to the study of courtship and marriage. Presented at the Session on Methods and Theory, National Council on Family Relations National Conference, Philadelphia, PA. |
| 1987 | Ortega, R. M. (1987, June). Group work with the chronically mentally ill Hispanic: Implications from a review of the literature. Presented at the National Association of Social Workers Minority Issues Conference, Washington, DC. |