Khush Cooper

Khush Cooper is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, specializing in child welfare policy, foster care reform, and LGBTQ+ youth advocacy. She serves as a consultant to public and private child welfare systems, focusing on implementation science and leadership development. Her teaching includes Child Welfare Research, Leadership, and Public Policy for Children and Youth.

• Education:
• M.S.W. and Ph.D. in Social Work, UCLA
• B.A. Psychology, Duke University

Her research addresses systemic reforms in foster care, including the California Residentially-Based Services Demonstration Project (influencing AB 403 reform) and the RISE Project ($13M initiative to reduce barriers for LGBTQ+ foster youth). Notable studies include the Los Angeles Foster Youth Study and L.A. LGBTQ Youth Preparedness Scan.

As a social entrepreneur, Dr. Cooper collaborates with policymakers and practitioners to advance child welfare systems. She is an adjunct member of the Implementation Collaborative at Chapin Hall, University of Chicago, and a CQI expert for Casey Family Programs.