Robert Ortega

Robert Ortega is an Associate Professor at the School of Social Work of the University of Michigan, where he has taught since 1991. His work focuses on Child Welfare, Group Work Practice, and Social Justice in clinical and educational settings.

• PhD in Social Work and Social Psychology (1991)
• MA in Social Psychology (1987)
• MSW in Families and Groups (1983)
• BA in Psychology (1977)

Research interests include culturally responsive child protection, family reunification, and diversity in group work. He has published extensively on group practice, Latinx child welfare, and cultural humility frameworks.

Recent publications analyze democracy erosion, caregiver health impacts on children, and Latinx community capacity building. His scientific awards include:

• Distinguished Contributions to Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Outstanding Service in Cultural Competency (APSAC)
• SSW Distinguished Faculty Award

Ortega serves on editorial boards including Child Welfare and professional organizations like the International Association of Social Work with Groups (IASWG). He has developed training programs for child welfare supervisors and medical teams.