LEXINGTON, KY – As part of its yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of BASW accreditation, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to announce a virtual CEU Lunch & Learn on January 17, 2025, from 12:00-2:00 PM EST. 

The event, inspired by the College’s “Social Work is Everywhere” campaign, will feature engaging discussions led by Sara Baldwin, LCSW, a Mitigation Specialist and Forensic Social Worker, and Leah Wilson, an MSW student and intern at Sara Baldwin Mitigation Investigations. Together, they will delve into the critical intersections of social work and criminal justice. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the transformative role of social workers in forensic advocacy, criminal defense, and beyond. 

Keynote Speakers: 

Sara Baldwin, LCSW 
Sara Baldwin brings decades of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in criminal defense services. Known for her ability to combine biographical storytelling, social anthropology, and forensic social work, Sara has contributed to hundreds of cases across all levels of litigation, including pre-trial, post-conviction, and clemency in both state and federal courts. Her meticulous approach and proven track record have positioned her as a leader in mitigation services. 
 

Sara’s work was notably featured in The Marshall Project’s award-winning piece, “Mercy Workers,” which provides an in-depth look at the critical role of penalty mitigation specialists in the justice system. She has been instrumental in presenting nuanced life histories to judges and juries, shaping case outcomes through a human-centered lens. 

Leah Wilson, MSW student 
Leah Wilson, a native of North Florida, is a passionate social worker in her final semester of the University of Kentucky’s MSW program. Leah’s journey into social work began after five years as a psychiatric technician in juvenile settings, where she witnessed firsthand the need for systemic change. 

As a mitigation specialist intern under the guidance of Sara Baldwin, Leah has contributed to the prevention of the death penalty and the broader discourse on systemic reform within the criminal justice system. Her work emphasizes early intervention and the importance of addressing the structural factors underpinning incarceration. Leah’s story was recently featured on the College of Social Work’s website, underscoring her dedication to forensic advocacy and her belief in redemption. 

About the Event 

This event continues the celebration of the College of Social Work’s BASW accreditation milestone, showcasing the diverse and impactful roles social workers play in communities, institutions, and systems around the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in an interactive and educational discussion, earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for their participation. 

Registration Details: 
This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Zoom links will be provided upon registration. 

Learning Objectives and Additional Details 
 
Attendees will explore: 

 Additionally, the presentation will include an overview of the history of the death penalty, offering critical context that will be woven throughout the discussion and Q&A session. 

Lexington, KY (November 25, 2024) — The Journal of Teaching in Social Work announced the recipients of the Twelfth Annual Florence W. Vigilante Award, honored for their exemplary scholarship and contribution to the social work profession. The award, created in honor of the journal’s founding editor, Dr. Florence W. Vigilante, recognizes the best article published in the preceding year.

The 2024 winners are the coauthors of the article titled “Considerations in Preparing Social Work Students to Thrive in Health Care Settings”, published in Volume 43, Issue 1 (2023). The article explores a critical nexus of social work and health care, equipping future professionals to navigate the dynamic challenges of health-related settings while adhering to social work’s core values.

The article was coauthored by Sheila Barnhart, Abigail Latimer, Dr. Natalie Pope, and Dr. Kalea Benner. Their work highlights the importance of integrating social work principles with the bio-medical model prevalent in health care settings, offering an innovative pathway to reconcile these approaches through an integrated Behavioral Health model.

“Social workers are increasingly embedded in health care teams, making this article an invaluable resource for preparing students to thrive in this environment,” said Editor-in-Chief, Vicki Lens. “The authors have successfully demonstrated how a thoughtful curriculum can bridge the gap between the values of the profession and the demands of the bio-medical model.”

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

RECOGNITION AND ACCESS

In recognition of its outstanding contribution, the award-winning article has been made available as a free PDF download on the journal’s website at www.tandfonline.com/WTSW.

ABOUT THE AWARD

The Florence W. Vigilante Award honors the legacy of the journal’s founding editor and celebrates groundbreaking contributions to social work education. The award highlights the intersection of scholarship and practical application, recognizing articles that significantly advance the profession.For more information, visit the Journal of Teaching in Social Work at www.tandfonline.com/WTSW.

LEXINGTON, KY (Nov. 20, 2024) – Jessica Sellers, a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) student at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW), recently represented the university at the prestigious Student Veterans of America (SVA) Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C. Sellers, a distance learner based in Alabama, participated alongside other student veterans from across the country, engaging in dynamic discussions and mentorship opportunities aimed at advancing veteran support and leadership within the social work field.

The event included a panel discussion at the White House, where Sellers had the opportunity to engage directly with high-ranking officials, including the Chief of Staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Reflecting on the moment, Sellers shared, “When I was medically separated from the military, I never imagined I’d be where I am today… much less being invited to the White House to share my concerns and discuss meaningful change.”

The experience culminated in a graduation ceremony held at the Library of Congress, where Sellers was recognized as an SVA Leadership Fellow. “Graduating in such an iconic and historic space was surreal,” Sellers said. “Social work has given me the ability to continue serving others in a new way, and this experience reaffirmed my passion for helping veterans not only survive, but thrive.”

Mentorship and Advocacy

During the Leadership Institute, Sellers mentored aspiring social workers and undergraduates preparing to apply for MSW programs. “The most meaningful thing I could share wasn’t advice about papers or research methods, but encouraging them to see the artistry of human connection and the creative potential of social work,” she explained.

Sellers also encouraged other DSW students, particularly those in the Military Behavioral Health Graduate Certificate program, to consider applying for the Leadership Institute, emphasizing its value for distance learners.

“As a distance learner, I almost didn’t apply because I wasn’t sure how much weight my application would hold ,” Sellers shared. “But SVA welcomed me with open arms and provided an incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and grow as a leader,” she said.

A Vision for Expanding Support

In addition to her current work as an outpatient therapist at a community-based mental health center, where she specializes in serving veterans, Sellers has ambitious goals for expanding veteran-focused mental health services. “My ultimate goal is to build a Military and Veteran Initiatives team to improve and expand community-based services,” she shared. “Experiences like this help me feel confident that I can achieve these goals, thanks to the mentors and connections I’ve made.”

The event also highlighted the importance of advocacy within social work. Sellers expressed her hope that more CoSW students will take advantage of SVA programs, such as Washington Week and the National Convention, which offer opportunities to engage with policymakers and participate in breakout sessions on topics like social justice and grant writing.

Advice for Future Applicants

For students considering the SVA Leadership Institute, Sellers emphasized the importance of authenticity and purpose. “Know your ‘why’ and convey your passion for change-making,” she said. “Social workers are natural leaders and advocates—this experience is an incredible way to hone those skills and build the confidence to create meaningful change.”

Sellers is now exploring sponsorship opportunities to lead a group of CoSW students to the SVA National Convention and Washington Week in 2025. “These events would provide invaluable experiences for students, particularly those interested in policy and advocacy,” she said.

Through her participation in the SVA Leadership Institute, Sellers has not only represented the University of Kentucky with distinction but has also set an inspiring example for her peers, showcasing the transformative power of social work leadership in addressing veteran needs.

For more information about the College of Social Work or the Military Behavioral Health track, visit socialwork.uky.edu/portal/sw/.

Lexington, KY – As Restorative Justice Week commences, the University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work (CoSW) highlights the work of Dr. Jackie Duron, the newly appointed Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement. Through years of experience in the juvenile legal system and a deep commitment to addressing harm within communities, Duron is reimagining the potential of restorative and transformative justice, aiming to make it a foundational element of her work at CoSW. 

For Duron, her journey into restorative justice began while providing therapeutic support to youth under probation. “It started with anger management and conflict resolution,” she recalls, “and gradually led me to consider what justice could look like beyond punishment.” This initial exposure opened her eyes to alternative approaches that focus on healing, accountability, and, above all, hope. 

At its core, restorative justice is about “offering space and time for people to recognize harm, take accountability, and move towards healing,” Duron explains. Unlike traditional justice systems that often isolate and punish, restorative justice brings people together—survivors, offenders, and the community—to address harm and work collaboratively toward resolution. “It’s an opportunity to rebuild connections, to recognize when we’ve been disconnected, and to focus on transformative responses rather than retribution,” she says. 

Duron’s philosophy is evident in her work with New Jersey’s “Restorative and Transformative Justice for Youth” program, a state-led initiative that provides community-based support hubs offering mental health, educational, housing, and employment services among others for at-risk youth. These hubs, she explains, don’t just respond to individual cases of harm; they aim to “build an ecosystem of support” that is integrated into the fabric of the community. The goal? To prevent future harm by addressing systemic inequities and providing youth with the resources they need to succeed. 

As an administrator at CoSW, Duron envisions integrating these principles of restorative justice within academic structures. “Every relationship has the potential for harm, whether intentional or not,” she says. “Our job, then, is to create policies and practices that address harm constructively and foster a sense of community.” She believes that by building a supportive environment within CoSW, faculty and staff can model these practices, helping to instill a restorative mindset in the next generation of social workers. 

Implementing restorative justice within institutional frameworks isn’t without its challenges. “There’s a lot of work in building these structures from scratch,” Duron acknowledges. Yet she remains optimistic, emphasizing that restorative justice is a process that requires patience and a commitment to honest dialogue. “Conflict can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for growth,” she says. In her role, Duron is focused on making these practices standard within the CoSW community, ensuring that they’re not just symbolic but deeply embedded into the college’s approach. 

Duron measures success by the community’s capacity to engage in reflection and transformation. “We need to take time to consider different perspectives,” she says, noting that true change requires a willingness to challenge assumptions and confront discomfort. Through restorative justice, Duron believes CoSW can create a culture where students, faculty, and staff feel both supported and accountable—where the potential for harm is acknowledged and addressed through thoughtful, community-focused solutions. 

For those interested in restorative justice, Duron’s advice is simple: stay curious. “We need to ask ourselves what led us here and how we can remedy it,” she says. Curiosity, she believes, drives alignment with restorative and transformative justice principles. By staying open to new possibilities, she argues, individuals can find ways to make meaningful impacts within their communities, both locally and beyond. 

In a world where inclusion is often discussed as a solution, Duron offers a broader vision. She sees restorative justice as a pathway to true community transformation—one that transcends inclusion by creating spaces that are inherently equitable and supportive. “We must embrace difference in ways that don’t just conform but expand,” she says. “That’s where real change begins.”