Social Work Research at GSSW

A Catalyst for Social Change

Although their research interests are diverse, Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) faculty members, students and research partners share something in common: a focus on advancing social justice. We live this mission every day through research and scholarship that spans social work practice, policy and system reform.

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Translating Science Into Action

We study the impact of practices and policies on individuals, families, organizations, communities and society, and then we advocate for reform. We develop evidence-based interventions that both prevent problems and foster well-being, and then we take the solutions to scale.

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Research at GSSW

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Economics of Early Education

A recent study by the GSSW Butler Institute for Families explores how the economics of Colorado’s early childhood care and education industry impact its workforce, the state economy, and children and families.

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Powering Prevention
Powering Prevention

GSSW’s Science for Action Series is fueling new collaborative efforts to address the Grand Challenges for Social Work through research, practice, policy and advocacy.

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Public Impact Scholarship
Public Impact Scholarship

GSSW Prof. Jennifer Greenfield studies the health implications of paid medical leave and advocates for reform, including testifying in support of the Colorado Medical Leave Insurance Act (FAMLI).

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Community-Engaged Partnerships

Community needs and assets shape our research and scholarship agenda. For example, we host 16 intervention research studies and collaborate with 128 research partners. With support from 10 public and private partners statewide, the Climb@DU initiative is training social workers to meet behavioral health needs in underserved Colorado communities. Community partners also invest in our work, as do local, state and national foundations and agencies, funding more than $11.7 million in 2019–20 in annual research expenditures.

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Faculty Book Spotlight

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