Doctorate of Clinical Social Work (DSW)
Social Work
University of Pennsylvania
2015
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Faculty
Faculty
JaNeen Cross, D.S.W.
Associate Professor
Department/Office
- Direct Practice Concentration, Social Work
School/College
- School of Social Work
Biography
JaNeen Cross, D.S.W., is an associate professor at Howard University School of Social Work. She is an expert and leader in maternal child health. She has a mayoral appointment with the District of Columbia, Maternal Mortality Review Committee. She is the former President of the National Association of Perinatal Social Workers (NAPSW) and is on the Board of Directors for the National Perinatal Association (NPA). Dr. Cross is the former National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Health Education and Leadership Scholars (HEALS), post-doctoral, health policy fellow.
Cross’ research interest includes maternal and child health disparities, mental health, and health policy. She is Co-PI on the Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) grant funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Dr. Cross is a Research Fellow with the Center for Financial Security (CFS).
Cross received her Doctorate of Clinical Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, Master of Business Administration from Rosemont College, Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Temple University. She is an exam item writer for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Cross is in private practice with clinical licenses in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
Education & Expertise
Education
Post-Graduate Certificate
Maternal and Child Health Leadership
University of Maryland
2013
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Business Administration - Health Care Administration
Rosemont College
2010
Masters of Social Work (MSW)
Social Work
Temple University
1999
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Social Work
Temple University
1998
Academics
Academics
SWPS 427-Social Work in Health Care Settings I
SWPS 428-Social Work in Health Care Settings II
SWHB 302-Psychopathology
SWDS 100-Social Work Practice & Process (Methods I)
SWDS 309-Intevention & Planning (Methods III)
SWDS 317-Interventions with Select Clinical Problems (Methods IV)
SWFI 336-Field Education II Integrative Seminar
SWFI 336-Field Education III Integrative Seminar
SWFI 336-Field Education IV Integrative Seminar
Research
Research
Funding
Crewe, S. & Cross, J. (Principal Investigators). (2021-2026). Howard University mental health awareness & suicide prevention (Project No. 5H79SM081248-04) [Grant]. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration.
Crewe, S. & Cross, J. (Principal Investigators). (2020-2021). Mental health awareness training (Project No. 5H79SM081248-03) [Grant]. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA)
Cross, J. (Principal Investigator). (2021-2023). Emerging Poverty Scholars Research Fellowship (Not funded) [Research Fellowship]. Institute for Research on Poverty.
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
2019 Howard University Summer Faculty Fellowship
2019 Junior Faculty Writing and Creative Works Summer Academy
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Women’s Month Award, 2015
Featured News
Featured News
Read: KFF Health News | Why People Who Experience Severe Nausea During Pregnancy Often Go Untreated
Read: Prism | For parents with substance use disorder, advocates call for resource and support instead of family separation
Read: Howard Magazine | The New Normal
Read: National Association of Social Workers | HEALS Students, Scholars Make a Difference in Social Work's Future
Read: National Association of Social Workers | HEALS senior policy fellow reflects on year in DC
Publications and Presentations
Publications and Presentations
Breastfeeding: A Protective Factor for NICU Infants
Breastfeeding: A Protective Factor for NICU Infants
NICU graduates are a hidden population who are at high risk for child maltreatment. There are many factors that pose maltreatment risks for NICU infants. The NICU environment poses its own unique yet significant parenting challenges. Child maltreatment of NICU graduates is a critical issue and families remain vulnerable to maltreatment risks due to high-risk factors and parenting challenges. The parenting challenges in the NICU provides opportunity to reduce child maltreatment risks. The provision of human milk is considered a prevention for child maltreatment as it addresses the risk factors that place NICU infants in danger. NICU practitioners have a responsibility to mitigate risk factors and address environmental barriers to attachment. Social workers have a vital role in leading child maltreatment preventions in the NICU. This book offers an intervention for child maltreatment and discusses the policies and breastfeeding strategies that keep NICU infants safe at home.
Imprisoning Pregnant and Parenting Women
Imprisoning Pregnant and Parenting Women: A Focus on Social Justice, Equal Rights, and Equality
The mass incarceration of pregnant and parenting women is a serious problem in the United States. African American women and other women of color are most burdened by mass incarceration. This article outlines the problems with health care delivery in correctional facilities. It is argued that correctional facilities are not the place for pregnant and parenting women. A policy focus is needed that takes a public health approach. This problem is discussed through the lens of the Grand Challenges for Social Work. Alternative policies and programs are recommended that align with a public health approach and directly target the pathways for imprisonment. This issue requires a call for policy action to challenge the inequality and social justices inherent in this problem. The grand challenges offer a blueprint in which to develop effective policy approaches.
Incarcerating Pregnant and Parenting Women, the New Witch Hunt: A Policy Analysis
Incarcerating Pregnant and Parenting Women, the New Witch Hunt: A Policy Analysis
The mass incarceration of pregnant and parenting women is a serious problem in U.S. A policy focus is needed that takes a public health approach. This paper outlines the problems with health care delivery in correctional facilities. It is argued that correctional facilities are not the place for pregnant and parenting women. Alternative policies and programs are recommended that align with a public health approach and directly targets the pathways for imprisonment.