Drug Policy, Pregnant People, and Mandated Reporting Laws for Social Workers

This event will provide an overview of drug policy in the U.S., NY state, and NYC and specifically how it relates to pregnant women, including racial and socioeconomic disparities in its implementation. The presenters will discuss the intersection of drug use during pregnancy and family regulation and healthcare systems, and the role of social workers in these systems. Finally, the presenters will share ways emerging social workers can advocate on behalf of pregnant women and children—especially those in hospital settings—with respect to NYS and NYC laws (i.e., CAPTA and CARA, the new NYC DOH Guidance, etc.).

The discussion will be moderated by Sameena Azhar, Ph.D., assistant professor at Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Service.

Speakers

Miriam Mack (she/her) is the policy director for The Bronx Defenders’ Family Defense Practice. She received her J.D. from Boston University School of Law.

Afsha Malik (she/her) is a licensed master social worker, and a research and program associate with National Advocates for Pregnant Women. Malik received her M.S.W. from Columbia University.