Huseynli, A. (2023). Social work in Azerbaijan: Achievements and challenges of the profession. International Social Work, 66(5), 1527–1541. https://doi.org/10.1177/00208728221075824
Tag: 2022
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.
Perceptions of School Quality and Student Learning During the Pandemic: Exploring the Role of Students, Families, Schools, and Neighborhoods
Abstract Given the inequitable distribution of resources across school, neighborhood, and home contexts in the United States, lower resourced students may have had fewer opportunities to learn during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which may have caused previous disadvantages to accumulate during the pandemic. Nevertheless, research has yet to comprehensively explore how school, neighborhood, and […]
Social Work Education in Post-Soviet Countries: Progress of Azerbaijan
Huseynli, A. (2022). Social work education in post-Soviet countries: Progress of Azerbaijan. British Journal of Social Work, 53(5), 2560–2580. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcac225
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.
Financial Well-being of Frontline Healthcare Workers: The Importance of Employer Benefits
Summary Frontline healthcare workers – especially direct care workers (DCWs), such as home health aides, struggle due to low pay, lack of benefits, and difficult working conditions. The need for these workers is growing. Unless frontline healthcare jobs improve, positions may be difficult to fill, and care for vulnerable members of society may be compromised. […]
Male Caregivers and Engagement in a Family Strengthening Program for Child Disruptive Behavior Disorders
Abstract Awareness and interest in involving male caregivers in child mental health treatment has grown, especially for youth with disruptive behavior disorders like oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between male caregiver involvement and treatment engagement for child ODD. Children (n = 122) ages 7–11 and their caregivers participated […]
Prevalence of Long-COVID Among Low-Income and Marginalized Groups: Evidence From Israel
Abstract Objective: To identify the socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with the prevalence of self-reported long-COVID symptoms. Method: We examined the association between acute-COVID (SARS-CoV-2) and long-COVID symptoms, by a cross-sectional analysis of data obtained on a prospective online-survey, conducted from November to December 2021 on a nationally-representative sample of the Israeli population (N = 2,246). Results: Findings […]
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.
Predictors of and Barriers to Receipt of Advance Premium Tax Credits
Abstract Objectives: The Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) is designed to remedy lack of health insurance due to cost; however, approximately 30 million Americans remain without health insurance, and millions of households leave billions in tax credits unclaimed each year. A prerequisite of APTC is to file one’s taxes; however, few studies have examined tax filing […]
Global Child Development Accounts: A “Moon Shot” to Develop Every Child and the Planet
Sherraden, M., & Zou, L. (2022, October). Global Child Development Accounts: A “moon shot” to develop every child and the planet (CSD Perspective No. 22-27). Washington University, Center for Social Development. https://doi.org/10.7936/s6qa-9q90
Asset Building Among U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents: The Role of Initial Legal Status
Zeng, Y. (2022). Asset building among U.S. lawful permanent residents: The role of initial legal status. Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/15562948.2022.2128497
All over the Map: A Systematic Literature Review and State Policy Scan of Medicaid Buy-In Programs for Working Individuals with Disabilities
Abstract While supports for people with disabilities have increased, significant healthcare and financial barriers persist. State-administered Medicaid Buy-In programs for working people with disabilities, distinct from broader buy-in discussions that have emerged as some states consider expanding access to health insurance, are intended to incentivize employment and protect against a loss of Long-Term Services and […]
Combatting Rising Healthcare Costs for Healthier Adults
Summary In 2020, healthcare expenditures averaged $12,530 per person, up 9.7% from 2019. In 2018, 19% of U.S. households had medical debt with $2,000 being the median amount owed. Over half of adults between 18 to 64 years of age are estimated to experience some form of medical financial hardship including medical bills or debt, […]
Usage and Impact of Benefits Among Frontline Healthcare Workers
Despard, M. (2022). Usage and impact of benefits among frontline healthcare workers (Social Policy Institute Research No. 65). https://doi.org/10.7936/6f24-p704
Building Financial Capability Among Low-Income Older Asian Immigrants: The Roles of Financial Access and Locus of Control
Nam, Y., Sherraden, M. S., Lee, E. J., & Huang, J. (2022). Building financial capability among low-income older Asian immigrants: The roles of financial access and locus of control. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 56(4), 1683-1704. https://doi.org/10.1111/joca.12486
Effective Finance to Increase Financial Well-Being for Low-Income Families: Empirical Examination and Policy Implications
Huang, J., Sherraden, M., Sherraden, M. S., & Johnson, L. (2022). Effective finance to increase financial well-being for low-income families: Empirical examination and policy implications. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 56(4), 1638–1657. http://doi.org/10.1111/joca.12484
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 […]
Social Workers Can Help Adults With Complex Needs With Financial Wellbeing
Fang, S., & Huang, J. (2022). Social workers can help adults with complex needs with financial wellbeing. BMJ, 378, Article 1928. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.o1928
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.
Timely and well-targeted financial help during COVID-19: an employer-community partnership for hotel workers in New Orleans
Abstract Economic disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic left many households without the income necessary to meet basic needs. We describe an innovative, community-based partnership between a financial services company, philanthropic funders, and employers to provide financial assistance to hotel workers in New Orleans who lost jobs and income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results […]
At Home and on the Brink: U.S. Parents’ Mental Health during COVID-19
Abstract Though the COVID-19 pandemic required significant changes and adaptations for most Americans, parents faced acute challenges as they had to navigate rapidly changing schooling and child care policies requiring their children to spend more time at home. This study examines the effects of COVID-19 school and workplace policies as well as environmental and economic […]
“Take my word for it”: Group Texts and Testimonials Enhance State and Federal Student Aid Applications
Abstract As the cost of college continues to rise, it has become increasingly important for students to apply for financial aid. However, many students are unaware of the benefits of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We launched a field experiment with a non-profit organization to explore how both informational- and testimonial-type text […]
Household Spending Patterns and Hardships during COVID-19: A Comparative Study of the U.S. and Israel
Abstract The combined supply and demand shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic have created the largest consumer behavior shift in recent history, while exposing millions of households to material hardships like food insecurity and housing instability. In this study, we draw on national surveys conducted early in the pandemic to investigate the pandemic’s effects on self-reported […]
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 […]
Experimental Evidence on Consumption, Saving, and Family Formation Responses to Student Debt Forgiveness
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) provides substantial financial support to low-income Universal basic income has gained renewed interest among policymakers and researchers in the U.S. While research indicates that unconditional cash transfers produce diverse benefits for households, public support lags in part due to the predicted unemployment and frivolous As policy-makers grapple with whether […]
Child Development Accounts Reach Over 15 Million Globally
Zou, L., & Sherraden, M. (2022, June). Child Development Accounts reach over 15 million children globally (CSD Policy Brief No. 22-22). Washington University, Center for Social Development. https://doi.org/10.7936/yfyb-r646
Does a Food Insecurity Intervention Improve Perinatal Outcomes for Mother and Child? A Randomized Control Study Protocol of the Fresh Rx: Nourishing Healthy Starts Program
Ferris, D., Roll, S., Huang, J., Mathews, K., Ragain, T., Simpson, K., Jabbari, J., Gilbert, K., Frank, T., & Rothman, S. (2022). Does a food insecurity intervention improve perinatal outcomes for mother and child? A randomized control study protocol of the Fresh Rx: Nourishing Healthy Starts program. Journal of Public Health Research, 11(2), Article 22799036221102496. https://doi.org/10.1177/22799036221102496
Bank Compliance With National Transaction Account Standards: Evidence From a Mid‐Western Metropolitan Area
Birkenmaier, J., Huang, J., & Balu, A. (2022). Bank compliance with national transaction account standards: Evidence from a mid‐western metropolitan area. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 56(2), 982–1003. https://doi.org/10.1111/joca.12428
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, […]
Climate Change, Social Work, and the Transition Away From Fossil Fuels: A Scoping Review
Mason, L. R., Melton, C. C., Gray, D., & Swallow, A. L. (2022). Climate change, social work, and the transition away from fossil fuels: A scoping review. Sustainability, 14(12), Article 7086. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127086
Financial Facts: SEED OK Child Development Accounts at Age 14
Clancy, M. M., Beverly, S. G., Schreiner, M., Huang, J., & Sherraden, M. (2022, June). Financial facts: SEED OK Child Development Accounts at age 14 (CSD Fact Sheet No. 22-20). Washington University, Center for Social Development. https://doi.org/10.7936/13ge-kt42
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.
Economic Security From an Asset Perspective
Elliott, W., III. (2022, May). Economic security from an asset perspective (CSD Perspective No. 22-19). Washington University, Center for Social Development, and University of Michigan, Center on Assets Education, and Inclusion.
Reducing Extreme Economic Inequality
Henly, J., Lein, L., Romich, J., Shanks, T. R., & Sherraden, M. S. (with Jones, R., & Tillotson, A.). (2022). Reducing extreme economic inequality. In R. P. Barth, J. T. Messing, T. R. Shanks, & J. H. Williams (Eds.), Grand challenges for social work and society (2nd ed., pp. 279–309). Oxford University Press.
Building Financial Capability and Assets for All
Huang, J., Sherraden, M. S., Johnson, E., Birkenmaier, J., Rothwell, D., Despard, M. R., Jones, J. L., Callahan, C., Doran, J., Frey, J. J., McClendon, G. G., Friedline, T., & McKinney, R. (2022). Building financial capability and assets for all. In R. P. Barth, J. T. Messing, T. R. Shanks, & J. H. Williams (Eds.), Grand challenges for social work and society (2nd ed., pp. 310–340). Oxford University Press.
Conclusions and Looking Forward
Barth, R. P., Silk, K., Flynn, M. L., Uehara, E. Messing, J. T., Shanks, T. R., Sherraden, M., & Williams, J. H., (2022). Conclusions and looking forward. In R. P. Barth, J. T. Messing, T. R. Shanks, & J. H. Williams (Eds.), Grand challenges for social work and society (2nd ed., pp. 389–405). Oxford University Press.
Commentary
Johnson, L., Butts, S. C., Manderscheid, R., Sherraden, M., & Lewis, C. E. (2022). Commentary. In R. P. Barth, J. T. Messing, T. R. Shanks, & J. H. Williams. J. H. (Eds.), Grand challenges for social work and society (2nd ed., pp. 406–414). Oxford University Press.
Disparate financial assistance support for small business owners
Small business owners experienced a drastic economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Government pandemic assistance failed to reach many small business owners, especially those historically underserved by financial institutions. Drawing on a 2021 survey of 246 small business owners, the Social Policy Institute at Washington University in St. Louis descriptively examined the extent to […]
Who Protests, What Do They Protest, and Why?
Abstract We examine individuals’ decisions to attend protests during the summer of 2020. Our analysis examines two simultaneous movements: Black Lives Matter along with protests calling for less stringent public health measures to combat the COVID-19 (e.g., for swifter reopening of businesses). Our analysis is made possible by a unique staggered panel data set that […]
Disrupted and Disconnected: Child Activities, Social Skills, and Race/Ethnicity During the Pandemic
Abstract Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, parents reported that their children spent the majority of their time at home, which can dramatically change their activities and negatively impact their social skills. However, research has yet to uncover the relationships between changes in activities during the pandemic and children’s social skills, nor the degree to which […]
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.
COVID-19 job and income loss and mental health: The mediating roles of financial assets and well-being and the moderating role of race/ethnicity
Abstract Prior research shows unemployment has a negative effect on mental health, yet whether this relationship is affected by financial factors is unknown. For example, having money in savings may mitigate the impact of job loss on mental health. We use structural equation modeling with data from the Socio-Economic Impacts of COVID-19 Survey with a […]
Nothing to show for it: Financial Distress and Re-Enrollment Aspirations for those with non-degreed debt
Abstract The number of individuals with student loan debt who do not earn their degrees is on the rise; nevertheless, there is little research that demonstrates their current circumstances and future aspirations. We address this knowledge gap by comparing the financial distresses and re-enrollment aspirations of student debt-holders who started college but did not earn […]
Policy Mapping of US Congressional Proposals on Climate Change: Informing Social Work Advocacy
Mason, L. R., Minnick, D. J., Tercero, S., Cummings Melton, C., & Greenfield, J. C. (2022). Policy mapping of US congressional proposals on climate change: Informing social work advocacy. Journal of Policy Practice and Research, 3, 221–240. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42972-022-00055-4
Public perceptions and the willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19: Lessons from Israel
Abstract Objectives To explore the associations between vaccine hesitancy and demographic and socio-economic characteristics, as well as perspective towards the COVID-19 and its vaccines. Methods Data were collected through four online surveys on Israel’s representative sample in March (3/2 to 3/7, n = 1517), August (8/10–8/11, n = 925; 8/18–8/22, n = 1054), and September (9/22-9/24; n=1406), 2021. We employ a […]
Financial Capability
Sherraden, M. S., Huang, J., & Ansong, D. (2022, February 24). Financial capability. In C. Franklin (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Social Work (Online ed.). https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.1201
Grand Challenges for Social Work
Flynn, M. L., Barth, R. P., Uehara, E., & Sherraden, M. (2022, February 24). Grand Challenges for Social Work. In C. Franklin (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Social Work (Online ed.). https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.1458
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 […]