Research at Jane Addams
The research conducted by our faculty not only addresses the needs of marginalized communities, it amplifies the voices of individuals and families in those communities, so that their lived experiences can inform social services and public policy.
See All Research & Sponsored Projects
Research Highlights
Preventing Deaths from Opioid Overdoses
Professor James Swartz is working with the Illinois Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Illinois Department of Human Services) to prevent prescription drug opioid overdose related deaths and to gain better understanding of the pathways to opioid addiction. Learn More »
Understanding Experiences of Violence Among Young Black Men
Under a grant from the National Institute of Justice, Associate Professor Henrika McCoy is conducting a national study of the experiences of violence among young men of color. In a variety of locations across the U.S., young men were interviewed about their victimization experiences, as well as the services and supports they have utilized. Learn More »
De-escalating Police Encounters with People with Mental Illness
Under a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, Professor Amy Watson is working with communities and police departments to help police officers recognize signs of mental illness, de-escalate encounters with people with serious mental illness, and to get such individuals the support they need. Learn More »
Helping Older Persons Transition Out of Institutional Living
Dean Creasie Finney Hairston and her team are working with the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health to interview persons with a serious mental illness residing in nursing homes, as well as people who have re-entered the community, about factors and supports that contribute to their successful transition from institutional care to community life. Learn More »
Improving Outcomes for Children in the Child Welfare System
Professor Sonya Leathers has been working with Illinois DCFS to evaluate the effectiveness of the team-based CIPP model for youth who are at risk of placement disruption. She analyzed input not only from DCFS caseworkers, but also from the youth and their caregivers. Learn More »