OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Providing Quality Services to Communities in Need
Training the Next Generation of Social Workers Generating Knowledge
“It’s always great working with USC MSW practicum students. We appreciate their passion, dedication and sincerity while working with the individuals, families and communities we serve. This partnership is meaningful for me and I hope that we will continue our work together for many more years! Fight On!”
Anna Yun Hee Lee, DSW, MSW, LCSW Director of Innovation, Social Model Recovery Systems
In 2024, the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work found that the community-based service efforts of our Community and Clinical Programs (CCP) converged into a unifying theme: “Empowering Futures, Transforming Communities.” These four words reflect not only our commitment to addressing unmet needs, and building resilience in the populations we serve but also our dedication to empowering the next generation of social work professionals. By providing robust training opportunities at our clinics and through our initiatives, CCP helps students and alumni develop the skills and experiences necessary to create meaningful change. This investment in our learners has a profound ripple effect, as their work and leadership amplify the impact of our programs in underserved communities. This annual report highlights how these converging efforts led to a vision of empowerment, underscoring CCP’s commitment to fostering lasting progress for individuals, families and communities alike.
As you read the following pages, you will discover how this theme was brought to life through our diverse programs, innovative partnerships and commitment to excellence. Each initiative highlights the transformative power of collaboration and the impact of USC’s efforts to build a just future.
At the heart of this vision was a commitment to collaboration as a catalyst for transformation. In 2024, we deepened partnerships across disciplines and sectors, forging alliances with academic departments such as the USC Gould School of Law and the Keck School of Medicine of USC, and government and educational institutions such as the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), and with community-focused organizations such as the International Institute of Los Angeles (IILA) and Southern California Crossroads.
These partnerships enhanced service integration, fostered innovation and supported comprehensive community solutions. By building meaningful connections and amplifying collective impact, the school laid the groundwork for a collaborative future where every voice contributes to a shared vision of progress.
We invite you to explore the pages ahead to learn about these achievements and the collective vision that continues to drive CCP forward.
“As an immigrant-serving agency, we are very grateful for the mental health support that USC’s Community and Clinical Programs provide for our clients, many of whom are recovering from traumatic experiences. USC’s Human Rights Clinic has helped our legal clients secure asylum, ensuring that they are not returned to countries where they will be persecuted, imprisoned or worse.”
Cambria Tortorelli President & CEO, International Institute of Los Angeles
To our supporters and friends,
As I reflect upon this past year, I am struck by the remarkable resilience and dedication of our ever-growing community — our passionate students, our devoted faculty and staff, our generous volunteers, our invaluable partners and the countless individuals who have entrusted us with their care. In many ways, this year has brought both challenges and triumphs, shining a light on our collective potential to foster hope, healing and possibility in the face of adversity. Our efforts have taken place amid ongoing social, economic and public health shifts that underscore the need for bold, compassionate leadership.
Over the course of my career, working both as a direct service provider and program leader in the community, and as an educator and administrator in academia, I have witnessed how a robust network of support can alter the trajectory of individuals, families and entire communities. In my current role as associate dean of community and clinical programs at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, I see daily how comprehensive behavioral health services, social support initiatives and community engagement efforts can work in tandem to address systemic social injustices. Our achievements result from strong alliances — both on campus and off. Whether partnering with USC schools such as the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, with local government agencies such as the Monterey County Department of Behavioral Health or with immigrant and refugee communities throughout Southern California, we have witnessed the powerful synergy created when experts from different disciplines unite under a common purpose. These collaborations enable us to deliver integrated, culturally attuned care that truly addresses root causes and fosters lasting well-being. Through our various platforms — the Telebehavioral Health Clinic, the Trauma Recovery Center and our innovative community initiatives and practicum programs — we continue to expand our capacity for empathy and deepen our impact on the lives of those we serve.
This annual report, Empowering Futures, Transforming Communities, captures the essence of our collective work. It reflects the bridges we have built between disparate groups, the pathways we have created to improve well-being and the vital partnerships that have allowed us to extend our reach far beyond campus borders. As we strive to embody our mission of empowering and uplifting marginalized communities, these pages highlight our many accomplishments and spotlight the future potential that remains untapped — a testament to our ongoing commitment to creating lasting change.
Looking ahead, we will persist in our efforts to break down barriers, expand educational and clinical opportunities and nurture a more thriving society — one where every individual is seen, heard and supported. In the coming year, we will deepen our focus on preventative strategies, data-driven evaluation and workforce development. We are training all our clinicians in new evidence-based practices to enhance trauma treatment. We are expanding our telehealth services to more youth and families, veterans and other helping professionals and staff through workplace wellness programs. We will pursue robust advocacy efforts to address policy gaps that affect vulnerable populations — thus strengthening the safety net for survivors of trauma, individuals experiencing housing instability, and foster youth seeking stability and opportunity. Our promise is to continue cultivating strong collaborations between academia, service providers and community stakeholders. By broadening access to training and embracing cuttingedge practices, we will ensure that transformative care reaches all individuals who need it, especially those most impacted by systemic injustices.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. I am constantly inspired by the remarkable dedication of our faculty, staff and volunteers, whose extraordinary efforts ensure that our programs stay both accessible and impactful. I am deeply proud of our students, who bring fresh perspectives and boundless energy to their training and community engagement, preparing to lead the future of social work while contributing to the well-being of the communities we serve. Your support has fueled our ambitions and made our shared vision a reality. Thank you for walking alongside us as we build the foundations of healthier families, safer communities and brighter futures. Together, we will continue to bridge divides, empower those in need and transform obstacles into opportunities.
With gratitude and optimism,
Ruth Ann Supranovich, EdD, LCSW
Teaching Professor of Social Work Practicum Education
Associate Dean, Community and Clinical Programs
Interim Chief Administrative Officer, University Clinical Services
TRAUMA RECOVERY CENTER AT USC
The Trauma Recovery Center at USC (TRC@USC) operates at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work to provide a safety net for survivors of violent crimes who are unable to access existing community mental health or other supportive services.
TRC@USC offers clinical and cost-effective care for survivors of crime through an array of services, including assertive outreach, trauma-informed case management and evidence-based psychotherapy to help cope with wounds left by violence. Services are provided in person or via telehealth.
TRC@USC experienced significant growth and achievements, advancing both its operations and service delivery in providing critical services to underserved communities.
Over the past year, a key initiative was the launch of a seeking safety group for survivors of clergy abuse. This present-focused, evidence-based therapy helps individuals achieve safety from trauma and substance use and decrease post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This group provided a critical platform for individuals to heal and find solidarity within a safe, trauma-informed environment.
Under the guidance of the clinical coordinator and supervisor, Danielle Brown, LCSW, BC-DMT, TRC@USC successfully adapted written exposure therapy (WET) for implementation via telehealth, broadening accessibility for underserved populations. WET is a short-term, evidence-based treatment for PTSD. It focuses on helping individuals process traumatic experiences through structured writing sessions. WET typically involves five sessions, during which clients are guided to write about their trauma in detail. The process helps reduce distress associated with traumatic memories by allowing individuals
to confront and reframe their experiences in a safe, controlled manner. WET does not require homework and is particularly effective for those who may struggle with more intensive or prolonged treatments.
A key element of our service delivery model included three MSW interns who provided case management, individual therapy and group therapy. Their participation enabled us to offer a more comprehensive range of services while also supporting the development of the next generation of social workers.
USC’s long-standing partnerships with community organizations allowed us to exceed our goals in hosting community trainings and outreach events. These efforts strengthened the center’s presence and influence, enhancing our capacity to address emerging needs in the community.
TRC@USC is funded by the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB), which supports the proliferation of the trauma recovery center model used at TRC@USC. This model, originally developed at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), is recognized for its cost-effective, evidence-based approach to care. Over the past year, TRC@USC secured additional funding from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to train clinicians in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, further enhancing the center’s capacity to provide advanced therapeutic services. Additionally, TRC@USC received funding from the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, the Office of Refugee Resettlement to expand trauma treatment services for refugees.
CORE ELEMENTS OF THE TRC MODEL
• Assertive outreach and engagement with underserved populations
• All are welcome
• Multidisciplinary teams
• Coordinated care tailored to individual needs
• Clinical case management
• Comprehensive mental health and support services
• Inclusive of People with Complex Challenges
• Use of Evidence-Based Practices
• Accountable and Goal Driven Services
THE SUZANNE DWORAK-PECK KECK HUMAN RIGHTS CLINIC
ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION
The Suzanne Dworak-Peck Keck Human Rights Clinic (SDP-Keck HRC) is a trailblazing studentrun organization, recognized as the first human rights clinic within a university social work program in the United States. Focused on supporting asylum seekers through direct service and advocacy, the clinic provides free psychological forensic evaluations to immigrants seeking asylum, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the legal process with dignity and support. The Community and Clinical Programs team provides practicum instruction and leadership for MSW student interns assigned to the SDP-Keck HRC while also offering critical
CONTINUUM OF OPPORTUNITIES
infrastructure and organizational support to ensure year-round program operations. Interns develop essential skills in organizational development, community organization, advocacy, grant writing and case management.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2023–24
• Forensic Evaluations: The clinic completed 20 forensic evaluations, providing critical documentation to asylum seekers for their legal cases.
• Volunteer Network: A dedicated team of 18 active volunteer clinicians and 10 prospective clinicians contributed their expertise, performing pro bono evaluations and mentoring students.
• Allows for exploration and exposure without a long-term commitment
• Can help to discover their interests and strengths, laying the foundation for future career paths
• Gain practical experience while balancing education or family responsibilities
• Gradual transition into the workforce
• Provide financial support while in school
• Structured learning experiences applying academic knowledge to real-world
• Gain industryspecific skills, networking opportunities, and mentorship
• Degree requirements
• Gain experience and licensure hours
• Continue to grow and learn in a supportive environment
• Educational Opportunities: The clinic supported 6 student board members and 2 MSW interns, offering them hands-on experience in case management, clinical assessments and traumainformed care.
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
SDP-Keck HRC expanded its impact through educational initiatives designed to raise awareness and enhance professional skills:
• Panels and Events: Hosted the “Vicarious Trauma Panel Discussion”, “Justice for Asylum Seekers” and a screening of Seeking Asylum.
• Collaborative Trainings: Co-hosted a refresher course between the Keck Human Rights Clinic, Public Counsel and the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies.
• International Advocacy: Delivered a “TeleHelp Ukraine Info Session,” extending support to international crises.
• Student Engagement: Published a quarterly student newsletter and held bi-annual celebrations, fostering a sense of community among students and clinicians.
INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS
The clinic collaborates with key entities such as USC’s Immigration Clinic, the Gould International Human Rights Clinic and TRC@USC, creating a multidisciplinary advocacy network through the USC Immigration Justice Coalition. These alliances strengthen support systems for asylum seekers, offering wraparound services that address their emotional health and overall wellness.
BUILDING CAPACITY FOR THE FUTURE
To enhance its reach and impact, SDP-Keck HRC remains committed to:
• Expanding Clinician Recruitment: Increasing the pool of pro bono evaluators to meet growing demand.
• Reducing Case Rejections: Ensuring more asylum seekers receive the services they need.
• Growing the Client Navigator Program: Extending support to additional clients through a comprehensive care model.
Under the leadership of Jessica Castillo, MSW , director of SDP-Keck HRC and a practicum instructor, and Sarah Caliboso-Soto, EdD, LCSW , clinical director of TRC@USC and faculty advisor to the student organization, SDP-Keck HRC demonstrates how academia and advocacy can unite to advance social justice. Through its work, the clinic fosters a culture of education, empowerment and systemic change, setting a gold standard for human rights advocacy.
TELEBEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC
The Telebehavioral Health Clinic (TBHC) is an innovative online platform that provides evidence-based counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals and families. By leveraging secure videoconferencing technology, the clinic ensures equitable access to mental health care, particularly for underserved and geographically isolated populations.
Clients connect “face-to-face” with associate clinical social workers (ASWs) or MSW interns (supervised by licensed clinical social workers) for weekly, 50minute sessions conducted over 12 weeks or more. Services are offered in English and Spanish and include interventions such as motivational interviewing, problem-solving therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Clients can join sessions from the privacy of their homes or supervised “tele-suites” with professional support. The platform meets HIPAA and federal security guidelines, ensuring client privacy
and safety — participants need only a device with a camera, microphone and reliable internet connection to access life-changing care. The program provides critical practicum education placements for MSW students at USC, offering practical experience in telehealth service delivery under the supervision of seasoned faculty members.
TBHC serves a varied and multicultural population aged 12 to 92 years. Clients include:
• Students from middle school through graduate school
• Parents of children with special needs
• Transitional-age youth involved in the child welfare system
• Active-duty military members, veterans and their families
• Residents in rural communities, including migrant workers living and working across California
• Local businesses seeking employee wellness support and education
• Uninsured and underinsured individuals who cannot otherwise access mental health care
The impact and reach of TBHC are evident in its exceptional staff, accessible services and significant contributions to mental health outcomes across California:
• 20–25 MSW interns each semester supervised by 4–6 social work faculty with extensive clinical experience
• Two full-time ASW alumni of TBHC who serve clients with more complex mental health challenges while they continue to gain critical experience, training and supervision toward obtaining their license to practice independently
• Services are provided at no cost to clients, ensuring accessibility and eliminating financial barriers to care
• The clinic has facilitated hundreds of virtual therapy sessions, fostering improved mental health out comes for individuals and families across California, with a majority of clients reporting decreased anxiety, depression and achievement of some or all of their treatment goals as a result of the therapy received
TBHC services are funded in part by the County of Monterey as a contracted provider of behavioral health services and with a grant from Queenscare focused on Los Angeles residents.
“I am the program manager for the Los Angeles County Office of Violence Prevention’s Hospital Violence Intervention Programming (HVIP). The telehealth services provided by USC Social Work’s Trauma Recovery Center have been an integral component of the HVIP we support, offering a remote option that enables many survivors of violent injuries to access trauma counseling services that would otherwise be unavailable.”
Adrian Lip Shing Yen, PhD Hospital Violence Intervention Program Manager
96% of TBHC clients felt comfortable with online therapy and their TBHC therapist within 1–3 sessions … and over 90% of respondents indicated they would recommend these services to their family and friends.
Based on formal surveys
TROJAN GUARDIAN SCHOLARS
The Trojan Guardian Scholars (TGS) program is dedicated to supporting current and former foster youth attending USC. Through a comprehensive network of resources and a robust community of care, TGS enables students to achieve academic excellence, build self-sufficiency and pursue successful professional careers.
In 2024, TGS served 32 students, representing 80% of the eligible population identified by USC Financial Aid. Students received access to financial aid assistance, career counseling, mental health referrals and community-building events. The program also provided critical wraparound services such as housing support, textbook assistance and monthly workshops.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2024
• Community Building: Over 90% of students reported feeling more connected to USC through events like holiday celebrations, peer mentorship programs and the annual graduation gala which honored six TGS graduates.
• Student Satisfaction: A program survey revealed that 80% of students found resources “ very useful,” and 90% of students felt more connected to the USC community.
• Personalized Support: TGS categorized students into three tiers based on their needs, ensuring tailored interventions for those in crisis and ongoing engagement for those seeking community involvement.
A NEW CHAPTER UNDER SOCIAL WORK LEADERSHIP
Under the leadership of Sara Jimenez McSweyn, LCSW, and supported by dedicated MSW interns, TGS expanded its reach and visibility. The creation of the Trojan Guardian Scholars Center within the Montgomery Ross Fisher building of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work has provided a welcoming space for students to access support and foster connections. TGS is committed to expanding partnerships, increasing student engagement, and strengthening its impact. The program continues to empower foster youth at USC, ensuring that every student feels supported, valued and ready to thrive.
TGS is funded, in part, through a generous gift from the Barry and Wendy Meyer Foundation, with additional support from Beth Lucas, MSW, and Christina and Greg Stoney.
“TGS makes every effort to help students in need and to provide each student with an individual experience that leaves you feeling like you matter and belong to the Trojan family.”
TGS Student Participant
2024 POST PROGRAM SURVEY RESULTS
65% 80% 90% 80% 90%
of TGS were “Very Satisfied” and 30% were “Somewhat Satisfied” of TGS felt “Strongly Supported” of TGS felt more connected to the USC community of TGS said resources were “Very Useful” of TGS are “Very Likely” to continue participating
A 2024 survey given to all 32 enrolled TGS students, received 20 responses with the above results.
COMMUNITY WELLNESS & INTERPROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is at the forefront of advancing community wellness by integrating social work expertise into varied healthcare settings. Through interdisciplinary collaborations with dentistry, pharmacy and public health, the school addresses the complex needs of underserved populations while simultaneously preparing the next generation of social workers to work in interprofessional settings. These programs emphasize the critical intersections of mental and physical health, equipping students with practical experience and fostering holistic, person-centered care that transforms both individual lives and broader community health systems.
SOCIAL WORK AND DENTISTRY
The USC Social Work and Dentistry Collaborative Internship Program bridges the disciplines of social work and dentistry to provide comprehensive, holistic care. Established in 2016, spearheaded by Professor Margarita Artavia, LCSW , who holds a joint appointment as teaching professor at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and clinical professor at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, this innovative initiative integrates MSW students into dental clinics to address the multifaceted needs of underserved populations, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to health care.
Each year four to eight MSW interns collaborate with dental students and faculty at key USC dental clinics, including the Special Patients Clinic (SPC), the Pediatric Dental Clinic (PDC) and the Union Rescue Mission (USC-URM). Each clinic serves distinct populations, such as children in foster care,
patients experiencing homelessness and individuals with complex medical, behavioral or psychological conditions. MSW interns provide advocacy, resource coordination, psychoeducation, crisis intervention and referrals for care while addressing social determinants of health that impact patient outcomes.
The program emphasizes mutual learning — where social work students gain clinical experience in dental settings, while dental students and faculty develop skills in patient engagement, empathy and understanding social determinants of health through collaboration with social workers. Comprehensive orientation and training prepare all participants to navigate the interdisciplinary environment effectively. This type of collaboration results in measurable benefits, such as enhanced patient compliance, reduced no-show rates, improved patient experiences and better oral health outcomes. As a pioneering model for care, our Social Work and Dentistry Collaborative Internship Program continues to evolve and expand, enhancing education and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations across Los Angeles.
• Five MSW interns completed their training in 2023–24
• A total of 1,056 sessions/encounters were provided:
SPC: 400 sessions
URM: 400 sessions
PDC: 256 sessions
• MSW interns receive stipends and compensation during their internship
SOCIAL WORK AND WELLNESS FOR PHARMACY STUDENTS
At the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, a social worker serves as an embedded wellness counselor promoting mental health and well-being among students, faculty and staff. Working on site at the pharmacy school, the wellness counselor supports individuals navigating the rigorous demands of pharmacy education while fostering a culture of wellness.
• Offers confidential, non-clinical services, including supportive counseling and social-emotional learning programs.
• Facilitates seamless referrals to USC Student Health or external providers for long-term care.
• Provides advocacy, stress management strategies, and tailored support for academic and personal challenges.
This past year the embedded wellness counselor provided over 250 individual supportive counseling sessions to students, 40 coaching sessions to students on academic probation, and provided a “warm handoff” for 12 students in need of more intensive clinical care from USC Student Health. The wellness counselor also made six presentations, secured two guest lecture spots, and hosted five drop-in “coffee hours” to engage students in wellness activities and provide education and strategies to cope with stress and mental health challenges.
& USC
CalHOPE, California’s initiative under the federallyfunded Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program, delivers accessible, prevention-oriented crisis support and resources for communities impacted by a national disaster, and care for individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges whether it is in their community, at school or at home. Through immediate, culturally sensitive support and connections to local resources, CalHOPE helps individuals and communities recover, build resilience and restore stability.
USC is proud to partner with CalHOPE to provide a range of mental health services aimed at offering emotional support, crisis counseling and resources to Californians dealing with stress, anxiety and depression. The CALHOPE@USC program was created to provide nonclinical support services for California residents. The primary intervention used was the Psychological First Aid (PFA) LPC-Model and Teach Model. Support specialists, the direct service providers, were also trained to conduct needs assessments, assess digital literacy and provide case management services to support clients in accessing community resources. Due to our expertise in providing services via a telehealth platform, we were able to
serve all residents in California, including clients from smaller cities or counties where resources are limited. Serving residents from 16 different counties in California, our CalHOPE support specialists developed individualized client-centered case management and linkage plans as well as offering private support groups customized for specific organizations and their staff needs.
Our CalHOPE support specialists brought a wealth of lived experience, which helped them to build trust and rapport, especially with individuals who were uncertain about seeking services. Their shared experiences helped bridge the gap between hesitation and engagement, making mental health support more accessible. In addition to providing emotional support, the CalHOPE support specialists offered peer counseling to help clients ease into therapy and provided psychoeducation on the mental health process, empowering clients to take the next steps toward their well-being.
1,287
SOCIAL WORK & PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM
Marking its tenth year, the Social Work and Public Safety Program led by Ricardo Ornelas, DBH, MSW and Rosamaria Alamo, DBH, LCSW , continued its leadership in bringing social work and law enforcement together across Los Angeles and throughout California. This past year:
• 18 students gained real-world experience and contributed to solutions for complex legal and social challenges
• The program expanded into broader legal systems, including the Employment Pathway with LADMH Emergency Bureau, demonstrating adaptability and relevance in serving community needs
• Monthly professional development sessions provided ongoing learning for partners and students, ensuring high-quality collaborative service delivery
• Faculty and student leaders delivered 17 presentations to prominent organizations, including Johns Hopkins University, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, and the National Organization of Forensic Social Work Conference, showcasing the program’s innovative approach on both local and national stages
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS & OUTREACH
The Tri-County Collaborative Community Safety Conference elevates the voices of community members who have been largely affected by “community violence and trauma” throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties. Through this forum, the hope is to collectively effect change with community members’ voices at the forefront leading the way!
Robert Hernandez, DSW worked with a number of community-based organizations to include their voices at two conferences that attracted a total of 500 community participants. Together, conference attendees created shared goals to enhance community safety awareness and mutual support. As a result, communication among community members has improved, fostering stronger relationships across all three counties involved.
The USC Neighborhood Youth Diversion Pilot Program, also led by Robert Hernandez, is part of the larger USC Community-Based Youth Violence
Prevention Project that aims to improve trust and enhance community safety in the area surrounding USC’s University Park Campus. The program serves youth considered “high risk” who reside at University Gardens, an affordable housing development located across from the campus. By bringing together USC’s Department of Public Safety and a local communitybased organization, Inner City Visions, the program has achieved notable outcomes, including increased participation by University Gardens residents in community events and public safety meetings, improved communication and interaction among residents, and an increased visibility of USC’s presence at University Gardens. This past year, 75 youth and 150 parents were directly engaged in services, fostering pathways for prevention, mental health support and community connection. This innovative initiative underscores USC’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges through collaboration with local nonprofits, mental health organizations and safety professionals.
PRACTICUM EDUCATION
Practicum education is a cornerstone of the MSW program at USC, offering a rich, hands-on learning experience that integrates classroom-based theory with real-world practice. Guided by the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) and the nine core competencies of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and under the leadership of Suh Chen Hsaio, DPPD, MSW, PPSC, LCSW, director of practicum education, students develop the professional skills and ethical framework necessary to address myriad client needs in various community settings.
During the 2023–24 academic year, 409 MSW students each completed 1,200 hours of practicum experience — spanning four semesters — to meet the MSW program’s requirements for graduation. Students practice their newly learned social work skills in community-based placements within Los Angeles throughout California and across the U.S. under the supervision and guidance of professional social workers who volunteer their time to mentor and guide MSW interns. The students also participate in weekly or biweekly seminar-based learning with practicum faculty who support them in integrating theoretical knowledge with applied practice.
In total, students contributed 326,550 practicum hours of service to local communities, reflecting the program’s broad reach and tangible impact. To facilitate these placements, USC Social Work partners with agencies that share a commitment to professional training and social justice, resulting in 200 new memoranda of understanding (MOUs) this year — bringing the total to 1,691 active MOUs with social-service organizations, government entities and private agencies.
Beyond hands-on training, practicum education supports student success by offering stipends or scholarships. In 2023–24, 176 students benefited from financial aid provided through stipends or scholarships, each receiving an average of $19,140 to offset living expenses and reduce financial barriers to completing their practicum placement.
This past year, thanks to a generous donation from Dwight Tate and Kathy Wright, we celebrated the efforts of our practicum instructors — recognizing over 100 of our partners at a special event honoring their dedicated mentorship. Notably, awards were presented to Tedman Cheung at the Amity Foundation (individual award) and Social Model Recovery Systems (agency award), highlighting their exceptional contributions to student training.
USC MSW STUDENTS ACROSS THE US
Where USC MSW Students are located
WHERE STUDENTS ARE COMPLETING THEIR PRACTICUMS
Community Mental Health/Mental Health Counseling (including addictions)
Children, Youth and Family Services
School Social Work
Health Settings
Community/Policy Practice
Unhoused/Displaced
Other (includes Corrections, Community College, Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault, Veterans Services, Rehab and Law)
DONORS & FUNDERS
GRANTS/CONTRACT FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY:
NOTE:
Mental Health Services Act FY 2024-25
Annual Update
Please note that the PDF document on this page will no longer be updated. The latest version can be found here and will be updated every Friday. Thank you for your understanding. Link to the updated version: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/fact-sheet/programs/uc/influx-care-facilitiesfact-sheet
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: ACF Press Office January 19, 2024 Media@acf.hhs.gov
DONORS:
ORR Influx Care Facilities for Unaccompanied Children Fact Sheet
The Barry And Wendy Meyer Foundation
Beth Lucas, MSW
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is working diligently with its interagency partners to ensure that unaccompanied migrant children are placed with vetted family members or other sponsors in the U.S. as quickly and safely as possible.
Beth And David Meltzer
Christina And Greg Stoney
Dwight Tate And Kathy Wright
Children age 17 and under who are unaccompanied by parents or other legal guardians and who have no lawful immigration status in the United States (unaccompanied children) and who are apprehended by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are transferred to the care and custody of the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). HHS plays no role in the apprehension or detention of unaccompanied children prior to their referral to HHS custody. HHS does not provide care or custody for adult non-citizens or family units that include adults.
Jewish Community Foundation Los Angeles
ORR is legally required to provide for the care and custody of all unaccompanied children referred to ORR until they are placed with a vetted sponsor, usually a parent or relative, while their immigration cases proceed.
ORR operates a network of 289 facilities/programs in 29 states and has a proven track record of accountability and transparency for program operations, as well as being a good neighbor in the communities where facilities are located. The impact of these shelters on the local community is minimal. Unaccompanied children remain under staff supervision at all times. HHS works in close
LOOKING AHEAD
Building on our achievements, we look forward to expanding our reach and creating innovative programs that respond to evolving community needs. In the coming year, we plan to introduce specialized services for veterans, enhance support for pregnant and parenting mothers, expand Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offerings, strengthen partnerships with Federally Qualified Health Centers, as well as explore opportunities to incorporate AI to benefit our programs. Additionally, we are excited to establish a facultyled clinic that will broaden opportunities for integrated care, training and community engagement. responds effectively to the communities we serve. As we embark on these new initiatives, we reaffirm our commitment to creating lasting change — transforming lives and forging sustainable pathways to health and well-being.
Alongside these new endeavors, we will deepen our interdisciplinary collaborations, leveraging expertise across USC and beyond. Rigorous program evaluation and research will guide our ongoing efforts, ensuring that each new initiative reflects best practices and
EVERY CONNECTION
WE MAKE BRINGS US CLOSER TO A STRONGER, HEALTHIER FUTURE
Together, we can transform lives, foster resilience, and create lasting change in our communities. Your support, whether through partnership, advocacy, or giving, helps us expand our impact and reach those who need it most. Join us in building a future of healing, empowerment and opportunity.
WAYS TO ENGAGE
• Partner with Us: Collaborate on initiatives that uplift and empower.
• Support Our Work: Donate or volunteer to drive meaningful impact.
• Learn with Us: Engage in our comprehensive programs to enhance skills, inspire innovation and drive social progress.
• Find Out More: Discover how our programs are creating sustainable change.
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LEARN MORE: dworakpeck.usc.edu Community and Clinical Pr ograms