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College of Social Work

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Institute for Families in Society

The Institute for Families in Society conducts meaningful research with partner organizations to provide policies and programs in health and mental health for families. We build on the strength of the University of South Carolina’s research community to advance the science of helping families and vulnerable populations. 

For more than 30 years the Institute for Families in Society has worked across disciplines with self-generated funding to support state health and mental health agencies to use research in a meaningful way, improving policy, advance practice and strengthening families Current research focus areas include health policy analysis, evidence-based parenting interventions and program evaluations. 

Our Mission

 The Institute for Families in Society (IFS) uses university-community interdisciplinary research and practice as a platform to advance the science of helping families and vulnerable populations.  Our work advances policy and informs practices to strengthen community and family well-being through applied transformational system research and service to the State of South Carolina.   IFS places special emphasis on work with communities to to address equity through systems change and enhancing access to high-quality health and behavioral health services.  

Our focus areas include the following:

Concentrates on policy analysis and health and family issues that affect South Carolina and the nation, particularly Medicaid policy. The team uses geographic data to explore the links between health, health service delivery systems and well-being.

Advances evidence-based practices and policies to enhance the lives of children, youth and families, particularly among underserved populations. Strong relationships with child and family serving agencies and organizations support the division’s efforts to educate, understand and improve behavioral health outcomes.

Helps state agencies and organizations select and implement evidence-based practices to promote youth and family well-being and to address challenges related to behavioral health problems and substance use.

How do we improve the health and well-being of families, especially those who are underserved?  By translating data to drive decision-making, and supporting implementation of evidence-based practices and programs.   This is where IFS scholars shine—bridging science to practice in health, health policy, and mental health.

Cheri J. Shapiro, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Families in Society

 

 


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