Hatfield Happenings: An Update from Prize Recipient Matthew Strong


COVID-19’s Impact on the Foster Care System

Matthew Strong and Mark Moland, Ph.D.

Matthew Strong attends LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas where he majors in physics engineering. Matthew’s research focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on the foster care system in Longview, Texas. He makes forward-looking recommendations for how government and civil society institutions, including faith-based organizations and churches, can strengthen families and the foster care system. Listen as Matthew shares about his research and what he has learned through the research process.

Matthew is advised by LeTourneau University Assistant Professor of Political Science and Criminal Justice Mark Moland, Ph.D. Dr. Moland shares about his Hatfield Prize experience and the importance of research focused on the common good.

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ABOUT THE HATFIELD PRIZE

The Hatfield Prize is awarded annually to three student-faculty pairs from Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) schools. Recipients conduct research on social policies that impact vulnerable children, families, and communities, and explore the impact of these policies in their local communities. This semester-long research project culminates in three policy reports that make recommendations for both government and civil society institutions in contributing to policies that promote flourishing communities. The Prize honors the legacy of the late Senator Mark O. Hatfield, who served as a United States senator from Oregon for three decades. Hatfield was known for his principled Christian faith and for his commitment to working across difference to find common ground.

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR PUBLIC JUSTICE

Shared Justice is an initiative of The Center for Public Justice. The Center for Public Justice (CPJ) is an independent, nonpartisan organization devoted to policy research and civic education. Working outside the familiar categories of right and left, conservative and liberal, we seek to help citizens and public officeholders respond to God's call to do justice. Our mission is to equip citizens, develop leaders, and shape policy in pursuit of our purpose to serve God, advance justice, and transform public life.

WITH THANKS

The Hatfield Prize is made possible through the generosity of The Annie E. Casey Foundation and the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. We thank them for their support, but acknowledge that the findings and conclusions presented in the research are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of these foundations.