Laura Borish

Laura Borish serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Agency Coordinator for the Child Welfare Education and Research Programs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. She acts as the primary liaison between all 67 Pennsylvania counties and students enrolled in the state's CWEB and CWEL child welfare education initiatives, while teaching core courses including Social Welfare Policy, Child and Family Policy, and Children and Families at Risk.

Education:

• BA in Psychology, West Virginia University
• MSW, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work (CWEL program graduate)

Research Focus: Her work centers on child welfare systems and trauma informed care, emphasizing practical applications through organizational effectiveness and workforce development. With direct field experience spanning permanency planning, adoption, kinship care, and foster care systems, her research bridges academic theory with frontline child welfare practice to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

Professional Engagement: Borish actively contributes to the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute’s Workforce Excellence Project through a collaborative grant with Allegheny County CYF. Previously, she supported statewide Organizational Effectiveness initiatives at the Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center, assisting county agencies in implementing service improvements. Her career foundation includes hands-on roles as a Caseworker and Supervisor in county child welfare systems.

Collaborative Networks: She maintains extensive partnerships across Pennsylvania’s 67 county child welfare agencies and state-level programs, while participating in national workforce development initiatives through the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute.