T he Center for the Study of Mental Health Policy and Services was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health in 1995 to promote the development of social work research in the field of mental Health. It offers opportunity for collaborative work in learning research methodology, carrying out pilot projects, and development of larger projects. During 2000-2001, study groups are addressing service transition issues for children entering kindergarten, for youth who are leaving the child mental health system, and for adults with mental illness as they age. T he Child Welfare Partnership offers opportunities for research and teaching in the field of child welfare. Developed in collaboration with the School of Extended Studies and the Oregon State Office for Services to Children and Families, it hosts several research projects, training of child welfare workers, and education of M.S.W. students who plan careers in child welfare.
Students have opportunities to work with faculty in all components of the program.
Currently Ph.D. students are teaching in the M.S.W. program, working in research assistantships in all facets of the research program, and, of course, working closely with faculty in Ph.D. studies.