University of Iowa’s School of Social Work director, Miriam Landsman, has two important roles. In addition to her academic role, she also serves as executive director of the National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice, a research and training center within the SSW. She recently began a new wave of research with Iowa Children’s Justice (a division of the Judiciary Courts for the State of Iowa) and the UI Child Health Specialty Clinic located in Ottumwa, Iowa. This research is funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Working alongside her team, Landsman intends to evaluate the implementation and results of a new family resiliency center, dedicated to supporting children aged 0-8 who have been exposed to substances, either in utero or environmentally, and their families. The center conducts comprehensive assessments of each child’s development, mental and physical health, and behavior. A Family Navigator helps to connect families with recommended services and support.
The primary goal of the project is to identify any issues related to substance exposure early on, ensuring children receive the services needed to support their developmental trajectory and helping families to access resources they need for family health and well-being. Landman’s role focuses on assisting the team with implementing the project and evaluating its effectiveness.
“The focus of my research is to make a direct impact, to strengthen practice that will help improve the lives of children and families,” says Landsman.
Landsman has dedicated the majority of her career to child welfare research, with a strong focus on keeping families together whenever possible. She has collaborated extensively with community agencies to test interventions aimed at strengthening families and improving the well-being of children. Today, this remains a central priority as she continues to navigate and advance her research within the child welfare system.
Looking ahead, as children and families are referred to the family resiliency center, CHSC clinicians will receive guidance in interpreting assessment results and developing service recommendations from Dr. Ira Chasnoff, a pediatrician based in Chicago, and his team. Through videoconferencing, the project aims to build the capacity of rural service providers to help children and families with complex needs. Given the region's limited access to specialists, Landsman emphasizes the importance of training clinicians to assess child functioning holistically and determine the most effective intervention methods for each case.
As she continues her research, Landsman offers advice to students interested in social work research: start by discovering your passions, collaborate with others to build essential skills and experiences, and put your skills to work to create meaningful impact.