Join us in the Dunker Family Lounge (REN 1303) to hear Dr. Kristen Lwin speak on the historical changes and impact of the required qualifications for child welfare workers. Refreshments will be provided and there will be a chance to meet with her following the presentation.
Presentation Topic:
The majority of families involved with child welfare systems are marginalized and dealing with complex socio-economic, health, and mental health issues. Because families’ needs are so complex, child welfare workers require the appropriate knowledge and skills to provide effective services. This presentation will address the assumptions about what are important qualifications and characteristics of child welfare workers, examine how worker characteristics have shifted over the past 20 years in Ontario, and assess whether these characteristics are associated with child welfare decision outcomes. Lastly, findings from an evaluation of a training series that aims to promote evidence-informed decision-making will be discussed.
About the Presenter:
Kristen Lwin received her Ph.D. in social work from the University of Toronto, and is currently serving as the Executive Director of a national non-profit knowledge translation organization. Her research agenda aims to promote positive outcomes of children and families involved with child welfare systems by better understanding key characteristics and qualifications of child welfare workers and organizations.
Aiming to help child welfare workers develop their knowledge and skills to better serve families involved with child welfare systems, Kristen has lead the development and evaluation of a training module series focused on promoting evidence-informed decision-making.
Kristen has taught macro to micro policy at the Master’s level, and has experience as a child welfare worker, working with victims and witnesses at the Ministry of the Attorney General, and conducting child welfare research and evaluation.