The University of Michigan-Flint Social Work Department was recently awarded a $10,000 grant through the independent research organization NORC at the University of Chicago.

The Adolescent Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) grant will be used to fund improvements to the Social Work Department’s Substance Abuse Treatment curriculum and social work field courses beginning January 2016 through Spring 2017.

Simulations and scenarios offered through the SBIRT grant will help students and field professionals to build their capacity to routinely screen and intervene with adolescents who have substance abuse problems.

“It will equip our students with the knowledge and skills so wherever they practice, they can use this model of intervention and prevention,” said Professor Otrude Moyo, Chair of the UM-Flint Social Work Department.

The UM-Flint Social Work Department was one of 60 schools nationwide to receive these funds, Professor Moyo said.