School of Social Work News

Professor Luke Shaefer discusses the child tax credits with The New York Times, “Of 4 Family Policies in Democrats’ Bill, Which Deserves Priority?” Shaefer argued: “The child tax credit is elegant in that it does something for all low- and middle-income families.” “It does the most to empower families to do what they think is best for their families.”

Professor William Elliott’s opinion article in the Gotham Gazette argues that poor children and families need both poverty alleviation and child savings programs. Elliott writes, “I am arguing that the drive Americans have demonstrated throughout history comes from more than having enough money to pay the bills each week, it comes from the promise of a better future.”

Associate Professor Terri Friedline’s study is cited in an NBC News article about a U.S. Postal Service pilot program offering financial services, which could lead to a return in postal banking. Friedline’s study showed that 69% of U.S. census tracts with local post offices do not have community bank branches, making it difficult for residents to access financial services. The postal service offered banking services in local branches from 1911-1967.

Professor Brad Zebrack, PhD student Nina Jackson Levin and Assistant Professor Anao Zhang are researchers and leaders of the new Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology program, which was recently established at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and the Rogel Cancer Center. They discuss the program, and why it’s important to have a program that addresses the unique needs of cancer patients of this age, with the U-M Lab Blog.

Professor William Elliott’s essay is included in the new book “Future of Building Wealth: Brief Essays on the Best Ideas to Build Wealth - for Everyone” which was published by The Aspen Institute Financial Security Program in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The book provides policymakers and financial leaders with the tools, resources and innovative ideas to pave the way for economic growth and prosperity for all American families.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes School of Social Work alumni whose achievements exemplify the values of the School of Social Work and who have made an exceptional impact on the profession, the community and/or Social Work education.

Learn more about the Distinguished Alumni Award »

Shanna Kattari, “We need to realize that not all disabilities are the same, and we have different needs and require different accommodations”. Read the full story at WalletHub’s “2021's Best & Worst Cities for People with Disabilities” article.

Assistant Professor Ashley Cureton has received a 2021 Diversity Recognition Award from the Johns Hopkins Diversity Leadership Council. The award recognizes outstanding accomplishments of faculty, staff, students and alumni whose demonstrable efforts advance diversity and inclusion at Johns Hopkins University. “I am so honored to receive this award. My postdoc and lectureship at Johns Hopkins overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic and a heightened awareness of the systemic racism and racial inequities in higher education and across the U.S., so I was adamant about developing effective strategies to create equitable outcomes for underrepresented populations by engaging in DEI initiatives. I hope to continue to engage in DEI work as a new faculty member at the University of Michigan.”