Durrell M. Washington Sr.

Durrell Malik Washington Sr. is an abolitionist, and an interdisciplinary social scientist trained as an interpretive methodologist and critical social work scholar. His research examines the collateral consequences of youth incarceration—exploring how incarceration impacts not only young people but also the broader systems they belong to, including their families, communities, and social networks. Through this work, he aims to build theory and inform policies and practices that foster positive and equitable outcomes for formerly incarcerated Black youth and their families.

Durrell’s research agenda seeks to understand three main lines of inquiry: (1) How does a period of incarceration shape the health, social life, decision making and relationships of formerly incarcerated youth and adults? (2) How do Black families experience, navigate, and respond to interactions with carceral institutions? and (3) How can a robust continuum of care be developed and applied to dismantle oppressive structures and improve the material conditions of Black families? His research is deeply rooted in community engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and critical and liberatory frameworks that center knowledge production as a tool for social change.

Before joining the faculty at Rutgers his academic journey includes earning his PhD from the University of Chicago School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, an MSW from Columbia University School of Social Work and a Bachelor’s in Social Work with a Minor in Sociology from York College, City University of New York.