Emily Douglas

Emily Douglas is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Work & Child Advocacy at Montclair State University's College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She previously served as a full professor and department head at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Bridgewater State University. Her expertise centers on child and family well-being, focusing on policy implications of issues like fatal child maltreatment, partner violence help-seeking behaviors, and corporal punishment. She has held significant roles, including a Congressional Fellowship (2016-2017) with the Senate Finance Committee, where she investigated for-profit foster care systems.

Dr. Douglas holds a doctorate in public policy from the University of Massachusetts, Boston (2002). Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, examining male victims of partner violence and their children's health outcomes. She authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles, four books—including Child Maltreatment Fatalities in the United States (2016)—and presented globally on child welfare policy. She testified before U.S. Congress and state legislatures, advocating for policies addressing child abuse fatalities and foster care reforms.

• Education: PhD in Public Policy (2002), University of Massachusetts, Boston
• Grants: NIH-funded study on male victims' health outcomes (collaboration with Dr. Denise Hines)
• Labs/Teams: Founder of the National Research Conference on Child and Family Programs & Policy (2008–2012)

Her work bridges research and practice, emphasizing evidence-based policy. Key contributions include analyzing maltreatment fatality investigations, child welfare worker training gaps, and the impact of corporal punishment on societal violence. Recent articles explore pandemic-era child welfare challenges and male victimization in cross-national contexts.

• Awards: Presidential Fellow (Bridgewater State, 2010–2011)
• Publications: Over 60 articles, four books, and 40+ conference presentations annually