Critical Social Policy, Health, Mental Health, and Disability: An Interview with Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter

by Brad Forenza, MSW, PhD

     A New Year always brings transition, and - in this historic moment - transition abounds. Outside of the obvious changes in presidential administration, perhaps January is a good time to reflect on more subtle changes to the social welfare landscape, as well as our collective views of (and response to) the health, mental health, and behavioral health needs of our friends, neighbors, and clients.

     Before assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter was elected to the New Jersey state legislature, she had a career in hospital administration. In this month’s podcast interview, pay attention to the assemblywoman’s thoughts on the evolution of mental and behavioral health services and the ways in which they intersect with other issues of justice and inclusion.

     Listen to the interview here:

Brad Forenza, MSW, PhD, is an associate professor at Montclair State University and a recognized scholar of social policy. His research foci pertain to youth development, primary prevention, and civic engagement. His academic career is accentuated by direct social work practice at youth and family development agencies, program evaluation for clients in the human services, and public policy analysis at the state and federal levels. He regularly publishes and presents his work in national and international forums. His original, public scholarship also extends to the organization of practice-oriented events and panels, the production of documentary film and a social welfare podcast, and the authorship of practitioner interviews and many policy speeches.