Social Work Capstone projects focus on addressing critical social issues, helping marginalized communities, or improving services for vulnerable populations. Selecting a meaningful topic that aligns with both your academic strengths and career aspirations is essential.

1.1 Research Questions and Project Ideas

  • Improving Mental Health Services for At-Risk Populations: Investigate how current mental health programs can be adapted or expanded to serve populations such as homeless individuals, refugees, or low-income communities.
    • Research Question: How can mental health services be better integrated into community centers to serve at-risk populations more effectively?
  • Social Work Interventions in Domestic Violence Cases: Explore how social work practices can better support survivors of domestic violence through community programs, therapy, and crisis intervention.
    • Research Question: What role do social workers play in facilitating successful long-term recovery for survivors of domestic violence?
  • Supporting Youth Aging Out of Foster Care: Investigate how social services can better assist youth transitioning from foster care to independent living, focusing on education, employment, and mental health support.
    • Research Question: What factors contribute to successful transitions for youth aging out of foster care, and how can social workers provide more effective support?
  • Child Welfare and Adoption Processes: Examine the challenges and effectiveness of the adoption process in child welfare, particularly for children with special needs or in long-term foster care.
    • Research Question: What are the barriers to successful adoption for children in foster care, and how can social work interventions improve the process?

1.2 Best Practices for Choosing a Social Work Capstone Topic

  • Relevance: Ensure that the topic is directly relevant to current social work practice and addresses significant community needs.
  • Scope: Select a topic that is researchable within the constraints of your Capstone project timeline.
  • Passion and Expertise: Choose an area that aligns with your personal interests and career goals.