Description: Dr. Connell will discuss various applied research studies where he works with state child welfare systems to examine factors associated with risk of ongoing contact with child-serving systems following Child Protective Services (CPS) or other child welfare system contact. Dr. Connell’s research often involves examining the role of the system response (e.g., family services, foster care, etc.) in reducing risk of future maltreatment or responding to child behavioral health needs. He will also describe preliminary work he and colleagues in the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network are engaged in with state partners to examine the role of community-based general protective services to reduce risk of future child welfare system contact.
About the Speaker: Christian Connell, Ph.D., engages in research that focuses on the experiences of youth who have been maltreated, as well as those who become involved in the child welfare system and other child-serving systems (e.g., mental health, juvenile justice). As a clinical-community psychologist, he uses applied research methods that engage system leaders, policymakers, and practitioners in research to address critical systems issues, evaluate effects of program and policy initiatives, and promote effective system change. Dr. Connell also uses a trauma-informed social-ecological framework to examine individual, family, and other contextual influences on the relation of maltreatment to child behavioral health outcomes. His research examines the effects of maltreatment and other adverse experiences on child and adolescent mental health and well-being, their system involvement trajectories, and the effects of interventions to reduce negative outcomes of these experiences. He also conducts research on system-change initiatives to improve organizational capacity to meet the needs of children and families.
This seminar will also be broadcast online via Zoom at https://psu.zoom.us/j/988552131.
