Faculty Title
Contact Information
Email:Â ljenkins9@ua.edu
Research Areas and Expertise
- Child Maltreatment Prevention
- Child Welfare
- Community-Based Interventions
Education
- PhD University of Texas at Arlington
- MSW University of Denver
- BSW Texas Christian University
Biography
Dr. Lacey Jenkins is an assistant professor at the University of Alabama School of Social Work. She earned her BSW from Texas Christian University, an MSW from the University of Denver, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington. During her practice experience, Dr. Jenkins worked in various roles, including as a child welfare caseworker, 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.
Dr. Jenkins’s research centers on strengthening child well-being and preventing child maltreatment, with a particular emphasis on community-based interventions. 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, Dr. Jenkins seeks to contribute to the development of a more equitable system for all children and families.