University of Kentucky College of Social Work

University of Kentucky College of Social Work The Official page of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work

The University of Kentucky College of Social Work promotes community and individual well-being through its translational research and scholarship, exemplary teaching, and vital community engagement. The College is committed to the people and social institutions throughout Kentucky, the nation, and the world. The College, like the University, is an organization that cultivates a diverse academic co

mmunity characterized by interpersonal work professionals and scholars – leaders who will serve individuals, families, and communities through innovative and effective practices that are guided by cultural competence, systematic ethical analysis, and a keen and pragmatic understanding of the human condition. The purpose of this page is solely for sharing information about the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, including but not limited to media and information in the form of videos, text, posts, blurbs, blog posts, links, photos, documents, and audio. Disclosure:
Any material posted, shared, or added to this digital web property without the explicit permission of the designated administrators shall be removed without recourse. The designated administrators of this web property retain the right to remove any content deemed irrelevant, unrelated, or inappropriate in the context of this social media profile.

Interested in taking your   career to the next level? Learn more about internship opportunities at our upcoming info ses...
09/10/2026

Interested in taking your career to the next level? Learn more about internship opportunities at our upcoming info session!

Our associate professor and director of criminal justice programs, Victoria Collins, Ph.D., will lead this session - explaining how to get the most out of your internship experience while getting hands-on experience, networking with professionals in the field, gaining insight about different career options, and more.

When: Thursday, September 24
Time: 4-5pm (EST)
Format: Zoom

Register here: https://ukcosw.com/3SuUKZK
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09/10/2026

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day - a day that revolves around the prevention, awareness, and education around su***de. Today, we remind those struggling that they are not alone; there are free, accessible resources available to provide support when it’s needed most.

Today, we're introducing CODE RED - a universal safety planning program that empowers individuals to create a personalized safety plan before their worst day. Designed by our CoSW faculty and su***de prevention expert, Julie Cerel, Ph.D., CODE RED focuses on what makes individuals feel safe, supported and grounded - including four methods of prevention: Contact, Delay, Relax, Distract.

To learn more about CODE RED and to get involved, click here: https://ukcosw.com/4gEKI1q

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, you can text, call, or message 988 - the universal su***de and crisis lifeline.
If you're a student, you can find a full list of available services here: https://ukcosw.com/49CUFcx

To support those who have lost someone to su***de, those struggling with su***de, and the research that helps develop strategies to support them, you can personally make a donation to CoSW's Su***de Prevention and Exposure Lab (SPEL). Link here: https://ukcosw.com/4iavouA
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Applications are NOW OPEN for our Substance Use Counseling Undergraduate Training Program! This course sequence is desig...
09/09/2026

Applications are NOW OPEN for our Substance Use Counseling Undergraduate Training Program!

This course sequence is designed for students in our program or closely-related major who are interested in a career in substance use counseling, behavioral health, or recovery-oriented service in Kentucky.
Students will learn different treatment models, engagement methods, community resource coordination and more - while also becoming eligible for the Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor Associate I (CADCA I) recognition upon completion.

Applications close September 20 at 11:59pm (EST).
Apply and learn more here: https://ukcosw.com/4gTxNr5
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Get to know a few of the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center's (KKRC) Kinship Navigators! This National Kinship Care Month,...
09/09/2026

Get to know a few of the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center's (KKRC) Kinship Navigators!

This National Kinship Care Month, we're highlighting a couple of our staff members at the KKRC, their invaluable work, and what they love most about what they do.
Here, we're introducing Tara Pulaski, Leslie Vass, and Amelia Collins.

Our Kinship Navigators are crucial in supporting and establishing new kinship caregivers early on in their journey.
Navigators are the first to reach out to families once a referral comes in, and they then begin to gauge each family's short term needs like transportation and clothing, to long-term needs like mental health services and support groups. Our Navigators are the first to contact caregivers, and walk side-by-side with them as they get adjusted to their new lifestyle.

Learn more about the and resources available to , here: https://ukcosw.com/39V3Vfd
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Our   faculty will be heading to the 2026 Southern Criminal Justice Association (SCJA) Annual Conference next week, repr...
09/08/2026

Our faculty will be heading to the 2026 Southern Criminal Justice Association (SCJA) Annual Conference next week, representing our powerful, growing programs and the innovative, pivotal research of our professors.

Our faculty will be presenting across nine conference sessions and events including presentations, panels and interdisciplinary discussions, spanning topics like juvenile justice, incarceration and reentry, artificial intelligence and online harms, and more.
Our participation at this year comes just three years after we first launched both our undergraduate and graduate criminal justice programs - representing both a rapid and sustainable growth in our academic structure, student success, impactful research and dedicated, passionate faculty.

Attending this year? Stop by our presentations, say hi, ask questions, and learn more.

To read more about the faculty presenting, their presentation topics, and our expected participation, click here: https://ukcosw.com/4xcD1oa
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In honor of National Kinship Care Month we're highlighting a variety of our free, online trainings for kinship caregiver...
09/06/2026

In honor of National Kinship Care Month we're highlighting a variety of our free, online trainings for kinship caregivers.

"Kinship Connections: Kin Raising Kin" meets weekly every Wednesday at 12pm via Zoom, providing a welcoming space where kinship caregivers (family members caring for a relative child) can talk about their experiences, struggles, celebrations, ask each other questions, and build connections with one another.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 9
Time: 12-1pm EST
Format: Zoom

Register here: https://ukcosw.com/4wZ43Pt
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Meet a few of the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center's (KKRC) Kinship Peer Supporters! Our Peer Supporters work passionate...
09/05/2026

Meet a few of the Kentucky Kinship Resource Center's (KKRC) Kinship Peer Supporters!

Our Peer Supporters work passionately and tirelessly with kinship families across Kentucky.
Supporters virtually meet with families regularly, listen to their experiences, challenges, and questions, and connect each family with what they need - whether that's a support group, behavioral health services, school admission information, and more - each specialist has lived kinship experience and will provide the right means of support needed for every situation.

Learn more about the and resources available to by visiting this link: https://ukcosw.com/39V3Vfd
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Join us in congratulating Megan Trafford for receiving the Southern Criminal Justice Association (SCJA) Student and Unte...
09/04/2026

Join us in congratulating Megan Trafford for receiving the Southern Criminal Justice Association (SCJA) Student and Untenured Faculty Travel Award for her research on the experiences of incarcerated women in the Horizon Prison Initiative (HPI).

In their study, "It Makes Me Feel More Comfortable Going Back to Society: Insights from participants of the Horizon Prison Initiative", Trafford and colleague, Sarah Lazzari, Ph.D., examine the HPI - a nonprofit correctional program that helps develop incarcerated individuals with education, training, social connection, mentorship, and more.

Focusing on 132 residents in an Ohio women's prison, the study included an assessment on thinking patterns associated with criminal behavior.
Preliminary findings discovered themes of encouragement, social support, and personal fulfillment.

Trafford is set to officially receive her award at the 2026 SCJA annual conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this September 14-18.
Congratulations on this accomplishment, Megan! We are proud of your intentional, empathetic, and innovative work.

Read more about the study, research methods, and results, here: https://ukcosw.com/4gCZTIr
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In honor of National Kinship Care Month, we're highlighting the resources provided to   kinship caregivers through our K...
09/04/2026

In honor of National Kinship Care Month, we're highlighting the resources provided to kinship caregivers through our Kentucky Kinship Resource Center (KKRC).

First up, is the KKRC itself!

This powerful asset to Kentuckians navigating , , , and more, provides support every step of the way - whether that's through one-on-one peer support, tailored trainings on a variety of topics, recorded workshops, or regular video meetings to build community - the staff at the KKRC are ready to meet you and build you up wherever you are.

Many staff members also have lived kinship caregiver experience, so regardless of where you are in your journey - your thoughts, concerns, struggles, and decisions will be understood and acknowledged by each of our team members.

Learn more about the KKRC and what we offer our families with this link: https://ukcosw.com/39V3Vfd
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Join our team! We're hiring for multiple positions for our   and   programs. Don't miss your chance to work with a innov...
09/03/2026

Join our team!

We're hiring for multiple positions for our and programs.
Don't miss your chance to work with a innovative, hard-working team in our rigorous, award-winning programs.

Learn more about each position and send in your application, here: https://socialwork.uky.edu/about-us/join-team/
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619 Patterson Office Tower
Lexington, KY
40506

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