School of Social Work News

Professor Joe Ryan is quoted in the American Public Media story “How Utah has let its many youth treatment centers off the hook” about the use of horse troughs as “therapeutic discipline” at a residential treatment center for young women in Utah. Ryan said “It clearly was humiliation."

Ryan reviewed Utah state and law enforcement reports on trough discipline used “If that's not humiliating public shaming, I don't know what is."

Joe Ryan is a member of a new task force created by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) charged with preventing and eliminating systemic racism in the state's child protection system. He will chair the data subcommittee.

Professor Joe Ryan presented his findings on how data can drive policy changes and improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families at the Wolverine Caucus.  The Wolverine Caucus is a forum held in the state capital where alumni, policymakers, and the public can hear from U-M faculty experts and engage discussions on topics that impact society.

Professor Joseph Ryan will receive the President’s Award for Public Impact. The award honors individuals who have offered their academic research and expertise in tangible service of a major public-sector challenge.

Professor Joe Ryan says many Indiana families struggle with the root causes of addiction. He recently spoke at a meeting hosted by The Center for Families at Purdue University. The meeting highlighted what policies and programs are working in other states.  "It’s not like substance abuse is their only problem, these are families that have high rates of domestic violence, parental incarceration, employment problems, housing problems," says Ryan.

Professor Joseph Ryan has a long history working on juvenile justice matters and using data to help drive better policy. He advises the governor as a member of the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice. He’s also co-director of the Child and Adolescent Data Lab, a research center focused on using data to drive policy and practice decisions in the field. His work was recently highlighted by the University of Michigan Public Engagement and Impact project.

Associate Professor and CoDirector of Child and Adolescent Data Lab Joe Ryan, along with Director of Operations Terri Gilbert and Data Analyst Andrew Moore are featured on the front page of Detroit Legal News for their work with the lab. 

Associate Professor Joe Ryan is an author of a new Brookings Report, "How life outside of a school affects student performance in school." 

The report was featured in Midland Daily News, Education Next, and U-M Public Engagement and Impact.