Overview

The CEC develops tailored dissemination and training products for practice and policy stakeholders, delivered through national and regional partner networks. The CEC also builds the capacity for new research by engaging community partners and training the next generation of child maltreatment researchers.

The aims of the CEC are to engage research, policy, and practice stakeholders in the translation of research into policy and practice as well as identification of real-world policy and practice issues that require research and to provide innovative education and training opportunities to build a pipeline of researchers and practitioners prepared to address the complex issue of child maltreatment.

Co-Directors of the Community Engagement Core (CEC)

Co-Directors Dr. Nancy Weaver and Dr. Trish Kohl lead the CEC for the purpose of translating evidence from the two core research projects into activities for policy stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels. 

Nancy Weaver, PhD

Nancy Weaver, PhD

Co-Lead of the Community Engagement Core (CEC)

Professor at Saint Louis University

 

Trish Kohl, PhD

Trish Kohl, PhD

Co-Director of CICM & Co-Lead of the Community Engagement Core

Associate Professor

 

Community Stakeholder Advisory Members

This group provides input from the field on training and research.
  • National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)
  • National Parents as Teachers (PAT)
  • Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA)
  • St. Louis Center for Family Development
  • St. Louis Child Abuse and Neglect Network
  • Missouri Department of Health
  • Missouri Children’s Division
  • Youth Advisory Board
  • The SPOT
  • Children’s Advocacy Center
  • Family Forward
  • Nurses for Newborns
  • Futures without Violence
  • St. Louis Juvenile Court

PhD Preparedness Initiative

We will host annual summer institutes designed to assist diverse professionals in the field to return for their PhD in Social Work or Public Health.

Indian Child Welfare Specialist Program

In partnership with the Kathryn M Buder Center for American Indian Studies, we will help prepare and support 3 master’s level students annually to work in the area of child maltreatment prevention or child welfare in Indian Country.

Professional Development

The CICM has developed a training opportunity matrix in 4 main topics: 1) Child Welfare Worker Safety, 2) Leadership Development in Child Welfare, 3) Human Trafficking, and 4) Forensic Training.

The training opportunity matrix can be accessed by clicking here: CEC Topical Training Opportunities

Policy Dissemination

In partnership with other capstone centers, the CEC will develop and disseminate empirical data relevant to prevention and intervention policy.  In year 3, we will sponsor a policy forum inviting policy stakeholders at all levels to engage in a discussion of the next steps to advance the prevention of child maltreatment.

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