Liwei Zhang’s research focuses on understanding how the complex interactions of economic resources, community contexts, and public policies affect parental behaviors and child well-being. Her research goal is to advance effective, culturally competent policy and practices to prevent child maltreatment and support families in need, particularly low-income, racial/ethnic minority, and immigrant families.
Zhang is engaged in three primary areas: (1) examining the impact of economic inequality and instability on parenting behaviors and children’s mental health; (2) exploring community and neighborhood determinants of child maltreatment and child welfare involvement; (3) assessing the influence of public policies on parental behaviors and child and family well-being. She utilizes large survey and administrative datasets to answer research questions. She collaborates with colleagues in the Center for Innovation in Child Maltreatment Policy, Research and Training.
Liwei Zhang
- Research Assistant Professor
- Email: liweiz@wustl.edu
- Download CV
Areas of Focus:
- Child welfare
- Child abuse and neglect prevention
- Immigrant and racial/ethnic minority families and children
- Economic inequality and instability
- Neighborhood and community