Kevin Haggerty, endowed professor in prevention and director of the School’s Social Development Research Group (SDRG), has been selected as a fellow of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare (AASWSW). Haggerty’s contributions to the field have largely been in the field of prevention science.
Haggerty is a nationally known authority on developing innovative ways to promote and implement prevention at the community, school and family levels. He and his SDRG colleagues pioneered Communities That Care, a breakthrough system that harnesses the strengths 
of local communities and incorporates evidence-based practices to improve the lives of young people.
“Prevention science is dedicated to improving the social conditions that promote well-being. This is where my research, passion and heart are centered,” said Haggerty. “Whether selectively applied in high-risk populations, inner cities, foster care, methadone treatment or universal populations, the fundamental goal of prevention science is to reduce problems and increase well-being and health equity.”
Haggerty is currently the principal investigator of a study that is testing an adaptation of an evidence-based family prevention approach for foster caregivers and their teens, called Connecting. He is also working with Washington State University on a study examining the efficacy of a self-directed program for parents of entering freshmen to reduce substance misuse, called First Year Away from Home.
“I am thrilled to see such a highly accomplished social work scholar and valued colleague join the esteemed ranks of the Academy,” said UW School of Social Work Dean Eddie Uehara. “This well-deserved recognition highlights Kevin’s pioneering contribution to the field of prevention science and its use in promoting healthy futures for today’s youth.”
Haggerty is also actively involved in the efficient and effective transition of tested programs into real-world settings, in collaboration with other research groups across the country. He has published more than 130 articles and book chapters, and he speaks and writes extensively on promoting positive youth development. He is a reviewer for numerous journals, including Prevention Science, Children and Youth Services Review, Evaluation and Program Planning and Journal of Adolescent Health. He has been at the School of Social Work since 1985.
AASWSW fellows are selected through a rigorous process that addresses excellence in scholarship and practice. Known for their groundbreaking work in integrating scientific methods and social work practice and policy, these social work luminaries serve as valuable resources for the profession. Haggerty joins 10 other UW School of Social Work scholars who are current fellows. The induction ceremony for new fellows will be held at the AASWSW’s annual conference on January 18, 2019.