DSW 10th Anniversary Alumni Speaker Series: “Mass Incarceration”

Kirk Anthony James is a Clinical Professor at the NYU Silver School of Social Work. He completed his doctorate from the School of Social Policy and Practice at The University of Pennsylvania in May 2013. His dissertation, “The Invisible Epidemic in Social Work Academia,” examined the complex phenomena of mass incarceration through a historical and contemporary lens. He concluded by developing curricula for Master level students to increase awareness, activism and holistic practice in the milieu. Courses developed from his dissertation have been implemented at Columbia University, Temple University, City College, and the University of Pennsylvania amongst others. Dr. James’s primary research and publications focus on deconstructing issues of mass incarceration –– specifically as it pertains to trauma, cognitive development, culpability, and the examination of systems that foster and perpetuate racial injustice.

Alison Neff is the Clinical Director of the Center for Carceral Communities, where she coordinates psychosocial care for people released from incarceration. A graduate of the Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW) program in the School of Social Policy and Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, her work focuses on organizational processes that empower marginalized communities receiving care in social service agencies. Alison trains agencies and service providers in implementing evidence-based treatment and organizational modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. She has worked closely with community partners such as the Community College of Philadelphia and the MENTOR program in Philadelphia, as well as with Housing Works in New York to address the needs of marginalized clients, such as people with a history of incarceration, substance use, and homelessness. Alison is also a lecturer in the MSW program at SP2 and teaches classes on the ACA and social work practice with communities.

2 Continuing Education Credits for PA Social Workers

Light refreshments will be served