Mentoring program assists parents
of children on autism spectrum
Robert Hock, a USC College of Social Work professor, is heading an NIH-funded study to assist parents of children recently diagnosed on the autism spectrum.
The project deploys autism parent navigators experienced in finding and using resources for children on the autism spectrum to serve as guides for uninitiated parents.
What they're saying: “The emotional support was amazing, to have someone say, ‘I went through the same thing.’ ” — Carissa Stevens, a participant and now mentor in USC's Autism Parent Navigator Program
Learn more about the Navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder family
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Alumna provides social work services at local library
College of Social Work alumna Lee Patterson has spent the last decade at Richland Library pursuing her goal of helping people by providing social work services to the community.
Patterson was initially hired to educate the community on health insurance and the Affordable Care Act after the library received a grant from the Knight Foundation.
Once the grant ended, she was hired full-time to continue offering social work services through the library. She helps patrons with a variety of complicated issues like health insurance, housing and Medicaid.
Her job is to make sure her team knows what resources are available and that it is important to tell patrons the truth, even if it's inconvenient.
What she's saying: “You don't have to have a library card. You don't have to be a resident of Richland County. You just have to have a heartbeat to talk to us.” — Lee Patterson
Read more about Lee Patterson.
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Food insecurity goes beyond hunger
Addressing food insecurity is not just about getting kids and families more food, it's more complicated than that, says Maryah Fram, an associate professor in the College of Social Work.
For children, the effects of food insecurity involve worry, fear, stigma, shame and anxiety.
Fram hopes her research to understand children’s specific experiences will help tailor policies and programs to meet their needs.
Read more about Maryah Fram's research.
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