Jacqueline Unkrich

Jacqueline Unkrich, LISW


  • Social Worker, CHECK Foster Care Clinic, Division of General and Community Pediatrics
  • Substance Use Risk Interventionist
I believe you need to meet the patients where they are because not everyone is ready to take the next step to make a change.
Jacqueline Unkrich, LISW

About

Biography

I’m a social worker with special training in talking with youth ages ten and up regarding substance use. At the CHECK Foster Care Clinic, I provide brief interventions and referrals to treatment for youth using substances. I believe you need to meet the patients where they are because not everyone is ready to take the next step to make a change. I use motivational interviewing to empower patients to make positive life changes.

My interest in pediatrics goes way back. I always knew that I wanted to work with children in some capacity. While exploring my options in high school, I learned more about the profession of social work. Upon graduation, I knew that was what I wanted to do. While getting my Master of Social Work degree, I interned at a small foster care agency. I loved working with foster children and helping this vulnerable population.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies and doing puzzles.

MSW: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 2019.

Services and Specialties

Publications

Reducing Bias in Substance Use Detection in Adolescents Via Standardized Substance Use Screening. Ranginwala, M; Greiner, MV; Fox, K; Unkrich, J; Beal, SJ. 2025; 1:1-3.

Substance Use Screening Among Youth in Foster Care. Greiner, MV; Nidey, N; Unkrich, J; Fox, K; Radenhausen, M; Beal, SJ. Pediatrics. 2024; 154:e2023065057.

Young people in foster care and substance use. Radenhausen, M; Unkrich, J; Beal, SJ; Acquavita, S; Greiner, MV. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology. 2024; 50:101136.

Understanding Variation in Health Risks Across Development and Child Welfare Involvement for Youth in Foster Care. Beal, SJ; Nause, K; Hamik, E; Unkrich, J; Greiner, MV. Innovative Methods in Child Maltreatment Research and Practice. : Springer Nature; Springer Nature; 2023.