Lacey Jenkins
Research Interests
- Child Maltreatment Prevention
- Family Well-Being
- Child Welfare
- Intro to Social Work
- Research Methods
- Children and Families
Social Policy Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Lacey is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Texas at Arlington, holding a Bachelor of Social Work from Texas Christian University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. With five years of practice experience, Lacey has worked in various roles, including as a child welfare caseworker for Denver County, a school social worker, and a case manager for foster-to-adopt families. As a licensed social worker in Colorado, she gained firsthand experience working with children and families, providing her with a deep understanding of the barriers faced within the child welfare system. Her extensive practice experience has shaped her commitment to addressing these challenges and prepared her for teaching, as she brings practical knowledge and insights to her students.
Lacey's research centers on strengthening child well-being and preventing child maltreatment, with a particular emphasis on community-based interventions. During her doctoral studies, Lacey has spearheaded and collaborated on numerous child welfare projects with various faculty, resulting in five peer-reviewed manuscripts and five additional manuscripts under review. She is deeply intrigued by innovative strategies that empower communities to proactively address the needs of their families, aiming to prevent their involvement with the child welfare system. Through her research, Lacey seeks to contribute to the development of a more equitable system for all children and families.