Prof. Copeland to Co-Lead the Grand Challenge to Promote Smart Decarceration
Clinical Professor Phillipe Copeland has been named co-lead of the Grand Challenge to Promote Smart Decarceration, a project of the American Academy of Social Work & Social Welfare’s (AASWSW) Grand Challenges for Social Work.
Copeland will work with project co-leads – Pajarita Charles of the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Charles Epperson of the University of Chicago; and Carrie Pettus-Davis of Florida State University – to support the Smart Decarceration project objectives:
- Modify legislation to remedy unjust sentencing guidelines, including mandatory minimum drug sentences
- Reduce the incarcerated population by 25%
- Reduce racial and social disparities
- Improve public safety and well-being
The Smart Decarceration project is supported by four working groups: Research, Practice, Education and Policy. Copeland became involved with the Smart Decarceration project in 2018 as a member of its Education Working Group.
In 2019, Copeland and other members of the Education Working Group co-authored Smart Decarceration Practice Behaviors for Social Work Competencies, a guide made for social work administrators, instructors and students to help incorporate smart decarceration practices into social work education.
According to an email release sent by the Grand Challenges project team, “Drs. Copeland and Charles join us at a time of great momentum for this Grand Challenge and we look forward to their leadership and contributions.”