Centers, Institutes, and Research Centers

Social Work Research in the UAlbany School of Social Welfare

The School’s research centers and institutes investigate the most urgent human needs of the 21st century. The faculty who lead the research bring its lessons directly into their classrooms, while students find opportunities to take part in advanced research projects. The centers and institutes include:

• Center for Excellence in Aging Services & Community Wellness (Philip McCallion, director). Using an evidence-based approach, the Center for Excellence in Aging Services & Community Wellness addresses the concerns of aging people, their families, and caregivers. Several major School initiatives are part of the work, including the Internships in Aging Project.
• Center for Human Services Research (Rose Greene, Director). The Center for Human Services Research strengthens university-community partnerships by conducting research in community-based settings. Areas of focus include child maltreatment, substance abuse, early education, youth development, and children’s mental health.
• Center for Innovation in Mental Health Research (Eric Hardiman, director). The Center for Innovation in Mental Health Research focuses on evidence-based direct practice, service delivery, and social welfare policy that support individuals who face issues from addictions and disabilities to health challenges and homelessness.
• Institute of Gerontology (Ronald Toseland, director). Through research, the Institute of Gerontology joins with community and state agencies to improve services for the most vulnerable among the aging population. Priorities range from caregivers of terminally ill patients to mental health issues.
• National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (Mary McCarthy, co-principal investigator). The $18.4 million National Child Welfare Workforce Institute prepares leaders in child welfare to improve recruitment and retention of top-quality staff, support professional practice, build systems of care across communities, and implement emerging and effective practices to serve children and families.
• New York State Social Work Education Consortium (Mary McCarthy, director). The New York State Social Work Education Consortium—which includes state and New York City agencies, county social services commissioners, associations, and many others—aims to improve the quality, status, and stability of the public sector child welfare workforce. The primary goal is to identify and implement programs with a forward-looking approach to training and education.