Judith Meltzer

At CSSP

I work on improving the ways in which public helping systems support families and ensure children are able to grow up in safe, stable families who can meet their developmental needs and help them thrive.

I do this work because

I am motivated by the inequitable treatment and differential opportunities that are available to some children, families, and communities in our country. I believe we have a moral and practical responsibility to provide a functioning and supportive safety net for children and families regardless of their income, race, ethnicity, immigration status, or ability.

I am most proud of

The work we have done at CSSP over the years and in many places to improve system and community outcomes. I am particularly proud of my work in providing less adversarial solutions to resolving class action litigation with child welfare systems. I am also very proud of CSSP’s historical and current commitment to identifying and taking action to address the effects of institutional and structural racism. I am also proud of the many staff that CSSP has mentored who have gone on to assume leadership roles in public policy and public service across the country.

Education and Awards

• M.A. in Social Welfare Policy, School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago
• B.A., University of Rochester
• Phi Beta Kappa
• University of Chicago Alumni Award
• American Public Human Services Association Peter Forsythe Award for Leadership in Public Child Welfare

When the day is done

I serve as a board member of Mikva Challenge, DC and spend time with my family—I am a mother of four and a grandmother of almost nine.