Spring research events address youth mental health, eco-social work, and occupational trauma

LAWRENCE - This spring, the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare will host three events to foster meaningful conversations with social workers and community partners, focusing on research and its impact on practice and policy.

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, Dr. Whitney Grube, assistant professor of social welfare, will lead a conversation on the mental health of young children, particularly those 4 and 5 years  old. Speakers include representatives from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund and practitioners in the early childhood system. This event is part of the School of Social Welfare's response to Grand Challenges for Social Work and addresses the "ensure healthy development for youth" Grand Challenge.

Focus on 4s: Advancing Family Well-being through Data-Driven Interventions in Early Childhood Mental Health

• Tuesday, Feb. 25
• 12-1:30 p.m.
• Online event via Zoom
• Free
• 1.5 CEUs
• Register for the Feb. 25 event

On Thursday, April 3, a panel will discuss the varied roles social workers play in the field of eco-social work. Dr. Joonmo Kang, whose research examines the intersections of environmental justice and social work practice, will talk with practitioners engaged in sustainable agriculture, energy policy, and environmental organizing about how social work values, knowledge, and skills equip the profession for leadership in face of the climate crisis and other environmental challenges.

Bridging Social Work and Climate/Environmental Justice: Roles for Eco-Social Workers

• Thursday, April 3
• 12-2 p.m.
• Online event via Zoom
• Free
• 2.0 CEUs
• Register for the April 3 event

On Tuesday, June 17, Kelly Young will discuss her research on secondary occupational trauma, including its prevalence in social work fields such as child welfare, mental health, and crisis response. Young is a doctoral student in the PhD program at the KU School of Social Welfare. Participants will examine bodymapping as a tool for understanding their own embodiment of secondary occupational trauma. They will experience a bodymapping process to gain insights into how bodymapping can be used with social work practitioners who face a higher risk of burnout.

Bodymapping: A Tool for Understanding Secondary Occupational Trauma

• Tuesday, June 17
• 12-2 p.m.
• Online event via Zoom
• Free
• 2.0 CEUs
• Register for the June 17 event

Find a full list of upcoming research and public scholarship events at socwel.ku.edu/ccec.