About
Barbara Fallon is a Professor and Associate Vice-President, Research at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. She holds a Canada Research Chair in Child Welfare and has held roles such as Associate Dean of Research (2015–2019) and PhD Director (2013–2015). Her research focuses on child welfare systems, racial disparities, and policy-driven interventions. Fallon leads major studies including the Ontario Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (OIS) and the First Nations/Canadian Incidence Study (FN/CIS). Her work bridges research, policy, and practice, addressing systemic inequities in child welfare.
Education:
- PhD in Social Work, University of Toronto (2000–2005)
- MSW, University of Toronto (1989–1991)
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, McGill University (1984–1987)
Research Interests:
- Child protection systems and international comparisons
- Disproportionate representation of Indigenous and racialized communities in child welfare
- Worker and organizational influences on decision-making
- Policy-driven interventions like differential response models and intimate partner violence teams
Awards:
- Canada Research Chair in Child Welfare (Tier II, 2017–2026)
- University of Toronto President’s Impact Award (2020)
Grants: Over $20M in funding, including the 2025–2028 study on Indigenous resilience and child welfare trajectories. Leads the Ontario Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (OCANDS).
Key Collaborations:
- Fraser Mustard Institute for Human Development Policy Bench
- Canadian Consortium on Child and Youth Trauma
- Adjoint Professorships at University of Colorado Anschutz and Hospital for Sick Children
