Doctorate of Clinical Social Work (DSW)
Social Work
University of Pennsylvania
2015
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.
Social Work
University of Pennsylvania
2015
Maternal and Child Health Leadership
University of Maryland
2013
Business Administration - Health Care Administration
Rosemont College
2010
Social Work
Temple University
1999
Social Work
Temple University
1998
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.
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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: 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
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.