Mark Courtney

Child Welfare Policy Scholar and Advocate

Mark E. Courtney, an esteemed scholar in the field of social welfare, has dedicated his career to enhancing the lives of children and youth, particularly those in the foster care system. With a distinguished educational background, he earned a B.A. in Social Science from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. He later achieved an M.S.W. and a Ph.D. from the School of Social Welfare at UC Berkeley, where his dissertation focused on the reunification of California foster children with their families.

Courtney now holds the title of Samuel Deutsch Professor Emeritus at the School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, and he co-directs the Transition-Age Youth Research and Evaluation Hub (TAY-Hub) at UC Berkeley. His research has been influential, as evidenced by his inclusion in the top 2% of all scientists worldwide, ranking sixth among over 7,000 social work scholars, based on lifetime and single-year citations in peer-reviewed publications. His work has received numerous accolades, including the 2020 Article of the Year Award from the Journal of Public Child Welfare, and the 2015 Distinguished Career Achievement Award from the Society for Social Work and Research

Courtney’s publication record is extensive and includes books and numerous articles and edited volumes that explore the dynamics of child welfare services, the impact of managed care, and racial disproportionality within the system. His recent research efforts focus on the experiences and outcomes of young people transitioning from care, aiming to improve their early adult outcomes through sustained supportive relationships.

Courtney's career is not only marked by academic achievements but also by his practical involvement in child welfare policy development. His research, including the Midwest Study and the California Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study, has had a direct impact on policy and practice across the United States. His work has informed federal legislation and contributed to the implementation of extended foster care programs in multiple states, benefiting countless youth.

An active member of several academic and professional communities, Courtney is a fellow of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare and the Society for Social Work and Research. His leadership and advocacy efforts have significantly shaped public child welfare policies and practice, earning him recognition from national organizations and making him a beloved mentor and leader in the social work education community.

Overall, Courtney's illustrious career reflects his deep commitment to improving the welfare of children and young adults through rigorous research, policy influence, and dedicated advocacy, leaving an indelible impact on the field of social work and the lives of many.