Joana Tolchinsky, Ph.D., graduated from Michigan State University’s School of Social Work with a clear goal: bringing research and evaluation expertise to the policies that shape child welfare in Michigan.
During her doctoral studies, Tolchinsky examined how social safety-net programs such as Medicaid can improve family well-being and reduce involvement with the child welfare system. That research now informs her work as a policy analyst with the Michigan Federation for Children and Families. The Federation is a statewide membership organization of almost 60 private child welfare agencies and behavioral health providers, and supports its members through policy advocacy, workforce development, and trainings. The Michigan State University School of Social Work is an affiliate member as well.
“My goal in pursuing a Ph.D. was to master research methodologies capable of driving macro-level policy changes,” Tolchinsky said. “Combining my passion for advocacy with evaluation and research skills, gives me the concrete tools needed to disrupt flawed structures and drive meaningful reform.”
Bringing research into policy
After earning her doctorate, Tolchinsky chose to apply her research skills beyond academia. In her current role, she evaluates state policies and translates complex research and data into clear evidence that can inform legislative positions and advocacy priorities.
“Rather than turning research into policies myself, my work centers on translating research into clear, actionable evidence for the Federation team, our member agencies, and our community partners,” she said. “This translation allows us to intelligently influence active bills or advocate for new policy solutions.”
Supporting families before a crisis
Tolchinsky is especially passionate about advancing systemic prevention and building policies that strengthen families before they reach a crisis.
“Rather than executing crisis-driven interventions, our state policies must support families holistically from the start,” she said. “True family stabilization begins with ensuring the health and stability of caregivers and children simultaneously.”
That philosophy grew from Tolchinsky’s doctoral research into the relationship between social safety nets and child welfare involvement.
“Comprehensive health care access can serve as a vital structural prevention tool that supports both family preservation and child welfare,” she said. “Rather than merely providing clinical treatment, health care coverage acts as an economic and emotional stabilization mechanism for households.”
Connecting practice and policy
Although not every social work graduate pursues a career in policy, Tolchinsky wants students and practitioners to recognize that micro- and macro-level social work complement—and depend upon—one another.
“You cannot separate micro and macro social work,” she said. “Even if you are training to be a therapist, your future clinical practice will be bound by policy frameworks. You cannot effectively heal individuals or advocate for systems change without understanding the rules that govern it.”
Tolchinsky views her position at the Federation as the beginning of a new chapter—one she hopes will contribute to lasting change for children and families throughout Michigan.
“I want to look back at this chapter of my career and know that I was part of advocacy efforts that moved the needle on systems change toward prevention and made it easier for all Michigan families to thrive and reach their full potential,” she said. “By shifting our focus to keeping children and families from falling into the river, we honor the enduring wisdom of Frederick Douglass, who reminded us that it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”