Under the new policy, every child in the Central Asian nation is receiving an account with assets from natural-resource wealth.
Kazakhstan launches CDA policy informed by CSD research
Category: News from CSD
Cultivating financial resilience to combat labor trafficking in Africa
In southern Africa and elsewhere, high vulnerability to poverty and false promises of employment lure many youth from their homes into the hands of traffickers who exploit them through forced labor. A new project from the Center for Social Development (CSD) initiative on Financial Capability and Asset Building in Africa (FCAB Africa) focuses on reducing […]
Aytakin Huseynli receives award for dissertation
Aytakin Huseynli, postdoctoral fellow in the Center for Social Development (CSD), has received the 2024 Outstanding Social Work Doctoral Dissertation Honorable Mention Award from the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR). Society President Sean Joe, a CSD faculty director, and Awards Committee Chair Gina Miranda Samuels presented the award to her on January 13, […]
Informed by CSD research, 401Kids Act introduced in U.S. Senate
On Wednesday, January 31, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania introduced federal legislation to create a national children’s account policy. The 401Kids Act is designed to empower all children, and particularly children from disadvantaged households, by providing a means for them to accumulate assets for developmental priorities like higher education.
At SSWR conference, CSD affiliates receiving awards, organizing sessions, and presenting
Affiliates of the Center for Social Development (CSD) are once again making significant contributions at the annual conference of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR). The 2024 conference runs from January 10 through 14, 2024, in Washington, DC. Faculty Director Trina Shanks, the Harold R. Johnson Collegiate Professor of Social Work at the […]
Boshara joins CSD as senior policy advisor
Ray Boshara, a national expert on wealth inequality and household financial security, has joined the Center for Social Development (CSD) as a senior policy advisor. As part of this appointment, Boshara serves as a Legislative Fellow with the Office of U.S. Senator Bob Casey, where he is developing Senator Casey’s “401Kids” proposal. The proposal will […]
Shu Fang joins CSD
The Center for Social Development’s newest faculty director is a leading expert on financial social work and social policy in mainland China. Shu Fang, professor in the School of Sociology and Psychology at the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, is the newest faculty director at the Center for Social Development (CSD). Fang […]
Global conference connects social work, research and policy
CSD co-organizes international conference at gateway between East and West. Researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers came together in late November for the International Conference on Social Work and Social Research: Financial Capability and Asset Building for All. Organized by Azerbaijan University, the Center for Social Development (CSD) at Washington University in St. Louis, Sakayra University […]
Parents’ views of universal asset-building policies for children
A new study captures parents’ perspectives on the influence that Child Development Accounts can exert over children’s educational attainment and parental saving for children’s higher education. Successful policymaking depends on public support. In policies affecting children, parents’ understanding and opinions matter. A new study from Center for Social Development researchers Jin Huang, Sondra G. Beverly, […]
Evidence, vision for Children’s Account policy at Singapore event
In a recent seminar, Center for Social Development (CSD) researchers discussed the SEED for Oklahoma Kids experiment, Singapore’s leadership in asset-based social policy and a vision for global Children Development Accounts. Singapore is a global leader in asset-based social policy, providing citizens a cradle-to-grave structure for accumulating wealth. That interest in such policies and their […]
In memoriam: Gena Gunn McClendon, a champion of justice and equity
Gena Gunn McClendon, esteemed director of community engagement at the Center for Social Development (CSD) at Washington University, passed away on October 21, 2023. She leaves behind an enduring legacy as a fierce advocate for equity, a champion for the disempowered and a passionate defender of voting rights. “Throughout her career, Gena has been a […]
New national children’s account policy taking shape
Li Zou has given many presentations on Child Development Accounts (CDAs) in other countries, but this one was different.
The international director for the Center for Social Development (CSD) was at the World Bank to deliver invited remarks on the bank’s plan to evolve its mission and operations. The bank’s roadmap affirms commitments to poverty reduction and shared prosperity while calling for changes to better meet global challenges.
At the bank’s April 11 Evolution Forum, Zou sketched a strategy for meeting all three of those goals, a strategy for developing a global CDA policy based on research by the Center for Social Development.
Zou talks global CDAs at World Bank Evolution Forum
Li Zou has given many presentations on Child Development Accounts (CDAs) in other countries, but this one was different.
The international director for the Center for Social Development (CSD) was at the World Bank to deliver invited remarks on the bank’s plan to evolve its mission and operations. The bank’s roadmap affirms commitments to poverty reduction and shared prosperity while calling for changes to better meet global challenges.
At the bank’s April 11 Evolution Forum, Zou sketched a strategy for meeting all three of those goals, a strategy for developing a global CDA policy based on research by the Center for Social Development.
CSD’s Margaret Clancy recognized for leadership in Child Development Account research, policy
Brown School honors Clancy with 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award Passion and patience. Margaret Clancy has devoted a generous dose of each during her 24-year career with the Center for Social Development (CSD) in the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. They have paid off not only for her career, but for millions of […]
Help for the helpers: CSD builds bridges in Bulgaria
As Bulgarian social workers assist thousands of Ukrainian refugees, CSD’s Aytakin Huseynli is leading a group that offers global support.
Special issue proposes a path to economic progress in Africa
Bringing together evidence from a diverse network of researchers and practitioners in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the March special issue of Global Social Welfare highlights the Center for Social Development’s focus on improving economic well-being for marginalized populations on the continent. The issue, “Financial Capability and Assets for Socioeconomic Development,” was developed through the Financial Capability […]
New collection offers inclusive housing policies for St. Louis region
For decades, deeply entrenched policies have made Greater St. Louis one of the most segregated metropolitan areas in the United States. A new briefing book offers policy options for change.
Experts discuss why, how social workers change policy
Social policy is a part of social work at almost every turn, yet many of the insights from the profession never find their way into the programs and rules that govern social workers’ efforts. What prompts helping professionals to take up policy work, and which strategies are most effective for influencing policy? Social workers and scholars around the world gathered virtually to discuss these subjects at Social Work in Social Policy: Engagement Strategies for Today and the Next Generation—A Book Event.
Sherraden honored with distinguished career award
The award recognizes a career of applied research innovations, major contributions to social work knowledge. On Saturday, January 14, 2023, the Society for Social Work and Research honored Michael Sherraden with the 2023 Distinguished Career Achievement Award. Sherraden is the George Warren Brown Distinguished University Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, Codirector of the […]
Special issue offers new insights on family financial well-being
A special issue of the Journal of Family and Economic Issues charts an agenda for new practice and research on financial capability, assets, and family financial well-being.
New pilot tests CDAs, supports for families of children with autism
In China, CSD’s new research with Child Development Accounts aims to build families’ capacity for managing autism and its costs.
Innovative training for Singapore’s frontline staff and volunteers
In Singapore, an innovative project is training frontline staff and volunteers to give financial guidance to low-income families.
California launches nation’s largest Child Development Account policy
The state enrolls 3.4 million children in CalKIDs, which CSD experts helped to shape. Today Governor Gavin Newsom publicly launched CalKIDS, the California Kids Investment and Development Savings program. With 3.4 million children in the first cohort of enrollees and more than $1.8 billion in assets, CalKIDS leaves the starting gate as the nation’s largest […]
Audience of over 2.65 million for keynotes on financial social work
On June 29, Faculty Directors Jin Huang and Minchao Jin delivered keynote addresses at the 2022 Financial Literacy Education Forum in mainland China. Carried by state news agency Xinhua, Sina Weibo, Youku, and numerous other platforms, the event drew an audience of over 2.65 million viewers.
Worldwide, over 15 million have Child Development Accounts
New estimates on the number of children around the globe who are building assets in CDAs. Over 15 million children have built assets in Child Development Accounts (CDAs), according to new estimates in a brief by Li Zou and Michael Sherraden with the Center for Social Development in the Brown School at Washington University. Zou […]
Child Development Accounts expand resources for higher education
New research from the Center for Social Development shows that a children’s account policy reduces obstacles to higher education. As the cost of higher education continues to grow, families in the United States struggle to save enough for children’s education. State 529 college savings plans are investment vehicles that assist families in meeting this need, […]
Senator, national experts discuss strategies for economic security
Policies to strengthen vulnerable families typically focus either on boosting income for present needs or assets for future priorities. A recent event spotlighted policies to integrate the two approaches for vulnerable families – as we already do for other families.
CSD events spotlight ‘threats to democracy,’ work to protect voting
Two recent events illuminated restrictions on ballot access and strategies to increase voting. Both featured national experts on voting rights.
CSD launching ‘Empowering Voting and Democracy’ series
Events to feature Barbara Arnwine, national voting rights experts, and elections officials As the United States prepares for the 2022 elections, voting rights are under threat. What can be done to protect access to the ballot? Civil rights leader Barbara Arnwine of the Transformative Justice Coalition, Elizabeth Hira of the Brennan Center for Justice and […]
Journal spotlights research to improve financial well-being in vulnerable families
How can vulnerable families overcome barriers to financial security, and what has made it difficult for them to do so? New research in a special issue of Families in Society seeks answers to those questions. Guest edited by Jin Huang, Margaret Sherraden, Jenny L. Jones, and Christine Callahan, the collection developed from papers presented during […]
Top social workers in China call for curriculum changes, financial capability
How does a nation train over a million social workers to help build the financial capability and assets of their clients? What should social workers in China know about finance, and what is the best way to teach them? Weighing these matters, researchers and several of China’s top social workers proposed changes at the First […]
CSD releases new tools for educators
As colleges and universities begin the new academic year, educators in social work and other human-service fields have new tools for equipping students with the knowledge needed to guide clients with financial problems.
Sherraden receives Billups Award for international leadership
The International Consortium for Social Development has given Michael Sherraden the 2021 James Billups International Social Development Leadership Award. In presenting the award, Consortium President Manohar Pawar recognized Sherraden’s “distinguished contribution to social development theory and practice knowledge based on impactful action in strengthening the financial capacity and asset base for poor people and communities […]
Study on WU partnerships in China wins 2020 Best Article Award
On August 26, 2021, the China Journal of Social Work announced the 2020 Best Article Award, honoring a study by an international team of scholars that includes Center for Social Development (CSD) affiliates Michael Sherraden, Li Zou, Suo Deng, Jin Huang, Margaret Sherraden, and Nancy Morrow-Howell, as well as Shanti Khinduka, former dean of the […]
Prominent Child Development Account experts outline a nationwide policy
A group of experts and researchers is making the case for a nationwide Child Development Account (CDA) policy. The group, which includes CSD Founding Director Michael Sherraden and Policy Director Margaret Clancy, recently released the outline in a pair of CDA policy briefs. The briefs are entitled “The Case for a Nationwide Child Development Account […]
CSD and Partners Launch New Multinational Collaboration in Africa
Mobile phones have become commonplace in sub-Saharan Africa. There, as in other parts of the world, financial technology has proliferated with the expansion of digital access, opening new doors to financial products and services. But this emerging landscape requires financial acumen, and sound guidance can be hard to find.
On July 15, a multinational group of partners gathered virtually to mark the launch of Financial Capability and Asset Building in Africa (FCAB Africa), a new collaboration aimed at meeting these needs.
St. Louis marks national voting event with teach-in, mayoral proclamation
As she stood at the podium, Gena Gunn McClendon considered the moment. “We’re here to learn. We’re here to teach,” she told those gathered on Saturday, May 8. McClendon, director of the Voter Access and Engagement Initiative with the Center for Social Development in the Brown School at Washington University, leads research to identify voting […]
New research: Child Development Accounts generate assets, positive outlook, and parental investments
New research from the Center for Social Development (CSD) shows that parents of newborns with Child Development Accounts (CDAs) respond by deepening their commitment to the child’s higher education and their own efforts to save for that education. The findings come from two newly released publications: a research summary of account and savings data from […]
At Conference, Leaders Call for Financial Capability and Asset Building Curriculum in All Schools of Social Work
As the COVID-19 pandemic worsens America’s already deep income and wealth divides, how can financial capability be increased for vulnerable families? What role can social workers play? To take up these questions, more than 100 scholars and practitioners gathered virtually on February 25 for “Theory, Evidence, Education, and Practice in FCAB,” Part 2 of the convening “Financial […]
Huang Delivers First Nationwide Financial Capability Training for Social Workers in China
On January 30, Center for Social Development (CSD) research associate professor Jin Huang delivered the first national financial capability training for Chinese social workers. Speaking to more than 800 attendees, Huang discussed broadening the term “financial literacy” to the concept of “financial capability,” or having both the knowledge to make optimal financial decisions and also […]
New CSD Report Celebrates over 25 Years in the Community
In 2021, the Center for Social Development (CSD) celebrates over 25 years of inquiry, innovation and impact. The newly published report, In the Community, highlights our work’s advancements and illustrates directions in ongoing and future work in St. Louis, the United States and around the world. Founded in 1994, CSD continues to generate pathbreaking innovations in […]
Panel Examines Ways to Enable Convicted Felons Who Have Served Their Time to Rejoin Society
Enabling felons who have completed their sentences to return to productive lives was the theme of a Congressional Briefing conducted online on December 2. The briefing was hosted by the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy (CRISP) and the Center for Social Development. Moderated by Charles Lewis Jr. of CRISP, Undoing Racism by […]
CSD Initiative Sends Volunteers to Monitor Polls on Nov. 3
Dozens of Brown School students, staff and faculty volunteered at polls across the St. Louis region November 3, helping voters to cast their ballots in what would turn out to be the largest vote total in U.S. history and the highest turnout rate since 1900.
As Korea Celebrates 10 Years of Asset-Building Policy, Sherraden Looks to the Future
Asset-building policies have taken root and are growing in countries across the globe, thanks in large part to strong international partnerships and applied social research. One robust example includes Korea, which marked a decade of asset building on November 12, 2020.
As nation struggles, conference sets sights on equity and financial inclusion
From across a nation struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic and a generally difficult year, over 150 scholars and practitioners gathered virtually on September 21 for “FCAB Policies: Race and Inequality in the COVID-19 Era,” Part 1 of the two-part convening “Financial Capability and Asset Building: Achievements, Challenges, and Next Steps.” They gathered to set an […]
CSD’s Trina Shanks Named to Endowed Professorship at the University of Michigan
Trina R. Shanks, a Center for Social Development faculty director and a Brown School alumnus, was installed September 30 as the Howard R. Johnson Collegiate Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan School of Social Work.
With Historic Election Looming, McClendon, Bush, Jones Hold Voter March
On September 22, Gena McClendon, Cori Bush, Tishaura Jones, and others gathered for the John Lewis “Good Trouble” March to the Ballot Box.
Strategies for fostering full inclusion, building statewide CDA policies, and engaging communities among highlights at conference
What would it take to ensure that every child in every state has an account accumulating assets for education beyond high school? How would those assets shape the children and their families? State officials, researchers, nonprofit leaders, program managers, and funders gathered July 16 to take up those questions.
Sun Awarded Aron Doctoral Fellowship by NASW Foundation
Sicong (Summer) Sun, a PhD candidate at the Brown School, has been selected as the 2020-21 Jane B. Aron/Social Work HEALS Doctoral Fellow by the National Association of Social Workers Foundation.
Navigating Research during a Pandemic: Pioneering Study of Child Development Accounts Successfully Gathers Crucial Data
Thirteen years after they began, researchers in a landmark study of asset building in Oklahoma are poised to receive new information gathered despite obstacles posed by COVID-19.