Schubert Center for Child Studies

Our new report lays out how trauma, violence and exploitation impact Ohio youth and why prevention and healing must come first. Check it out at https://shorturl.at/eNLva

“Children’s developing minds need real human relationships, not simulations.”
That’s the core message of Dr. Dana Suskind’s new book, Human Raised, and of today’s conversation with Lisa Damour, Ph.D., advisor at the Schubert Center for Child Studies, at the The City Club of Cleveland. As AI moves deeper into kids’ lives, from smart toys to learning apps, this forum asks: what should parents embrace, what should they question, and what absolutely must be preserved in childhood?
Catch the discussion via The Sound of Ideas on parenting in the age of AI, and hear why human care, imperfection and presence still matter most at https://tinyurl.com/2x6xnw6x

The Schubert Center for Child Studies is troubled by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Mullin v. Doe today, June 25, 2026, which strips humanitarian legal protections for Haitian and Syrian families. For these children and families, immigration policy is not an abstract legal issue; their stability, economic security, educational continuity and overall health and well-being are at risk. Thousands of children and families in Ohio now likely face significant uncertainty.
We are grateful for Governor Mike DeWine's leadership in recognizing the adverse impacts this decision may have on Ohio communities. We also share the deep concern expressed by many community members, faith partners and advocacy organizations, including the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, about the profound human consequences of this ruling for Haitian and Syrian families in our state. As researchers and advocates for children's well-being, we believe children's needs should remain at the center of policy discussions that affect their lives and futures. Center for Law and Social Policy

How does local media coverage shape the lives of justice-involved youth?
A recent report by the Schubert Center for Child Studies, "News-Coverage Analysis for Justice-Involved Children & Youth in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and Ohio," reveals a stark disconnect between media representation and reality.
While developmental neuroscience shows that adolescence is a critical window for growth, hyper-negative framing in news stories about justice-involved youth may reinforce harmful stereotypes and influence harsher policy decisions.
For our youth to thrive in safer communities, news stories about them must better align with what the science tells us about youth development and resilience. Leaders, media professionals, and the public all play a role in shifting the focus to what works and to kids' capacity to change and grow.
Read our one-page infographic and ideas for changing the narrative: https://shorturl.at/UnGhD

Today, we honor Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and affirming the ongoing struggle for freedom, dignity, and justice.
At the Schubert Center for Child Studies at Case Western Reserve University, we recognize how this history continues to shape the lives of children, youth, and families today. We recommit ourselves to advancing scholarship, policy, and practice that confront structural racism and helps build a more equitable future for all children.

In Plyler v. Doe, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) challenged a Texas law that attempted to deny undocumented children access to public schools by charging tuition. The organization successfully argued before the Supreme Court that all children — regardless of immigration status — are protected under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.
As MALDEF reflected on the 40th anniversary of the decision, Plyler v. Doe “changed this nation” by ensuring that millions of children could dream of a better future through education. The impact of the ruling continues to be felt today in classrooms and communities across the country.
We recognize and thank MALDEF for its decades of leadership, advocacy and commitment to protecting educational opportunities for all students.
As efforts to support immigrant children continue, resources remain critical. Last December, the Schubert Center for Child Studies released a comprehensive guide to help professionals support immigrant children and families amid rapidly changing immigration policies. The guide highlights practical resources and organizations, including Ohio Immigrant Alliance Public Page, Us Together, Inc. - Columbus, Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS) and others that help safeguard children's well-being, educational access and family stability.
For more information on the 40th Anniversary of Plyler v. Doe, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrx73mp6; to find the Schubert Center for Child Studies Immigrant Children & Families Resource Guide, visit https://shorturl.at/cFMKS

Yesterday marked a historic step forward in Ohio’s transformation of juvenile justice with the groundbreaking of new, smaller-scale youth facilities in Grafton to partially replace the larger Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility.
The shift to smaller facilities follows recommendations from the Ohio Juvenile Justice Working Group. It reflects research showing that smaller, more therapeutic environments can improve safety, strengthen rehabilitation and support better long-term outcomes for youth and staff alike. The new facilities will include enhanced educational spaces, vocational training, mental health treatment areas and recreation spaces designed to better support young people in their growth and reentry into their communities.
We were especially proud to see our very own Gabriella Celeste, JD, Policy Director at the Schubert Center for Child Studies, at the groundbreaking ceremony. Gabriella served on the Governor's Juvenile Justice Working Group, which helped shape the recommendations behind this important systems transformation for Ohio’s youth.
Read more at https://shorturl.at/cYMp7

Don't miss these reflections from Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson and Habeebah Rasheed Grimes following our recent Kessler Freedheim Lecture at Case Western Reserve University.
In their piece, they challenge common narratives that doubt young people and instead highlight youth — especially youth of color — as powerful drivers of social change, creativity and justice. They also remind us that hope is a practice reflected in how we support and believe in young people today, not just in who they may become in the future.
We’re grateful for their insights and invite you to read and reflect on their message about the power and promise of the next generation.

The Generation We Keep Doubting May Be Our Most Powerful Hope For Real Change | Successful Black Parenting Magazine Why today’s youth are our greatest hope and the generation for real change. Discover how Black youth are shaping the future through resilience, activism, and powerful identity development.

Join us tomorrow at 1PM to hear from Dr. Melisa Moore!

In partnership with the CWRU Moll Institute, we invite you to attend the Mental Health Distinguished Speaker Series, where Dr. Melissa Moore will discuss her new book ‘The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodivergent Kids.’

In her book, Dr. Moore redefines the meaning of ‘healthy’ sleep for neurodiverse families and provides a toolkit for finding what works!

This event will take place on May 1st, at 1p.m. in the Mandel Community Studies Center on 11402 Bellflower Rd.

Click here to register: https://cglink.me/2cS/r2278827