Sonya J. Leathers

Email Address: sonyal@uic.edu
College: Social Work Department: Social Work
Title: Associate Professor
Office: 4323 EPASW M/C Phone: 9968512
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: Yes

Research Interest:
Students have the opportunity to work on one of two studies focused on (1) understanding the needs of children and adolescents who live in foster care and (2) developing more effective services to improve their mental health and strengthen connections to supportive adults. One study is studying supported mentoring and job skills training for older youth in care in an experimental design. The second study seeks to understand foster parents' perspectives regarding the reasons for children's placement instability and factors that support stability for children at high risk.

Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 8

Qualifications of a Student:
An interest in child mental health, foster care, social work and/or psychology. Coursework including introductory or developmental psychology, social work practice, statistics, and psychopathology helpful but not required.

Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
General research tasks including assisting with interviews and data entry. Completion of IRB training required. Helpful if able to attend project meetings on Monday mornings, although this is not required.

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