Alirio H. Guerrero

Alirio H. Guerrero, LMSW, is the former Deputy Director of Child Welfare and Family Services for the Children’s Aid Society of New York. During his 22-year tenure at the Children’s Aid, he oversaw their child abuse prevention and domestic violence programs. As Director of Preventive Services, he developed a comprehensive trauma-based clinical model that addresses relational family dysfunctional behaviors and their interference with strength-based and positive parenting. This model successfully reduced child abuse and neglect and prevented out-of-home placements.

Professor Guerrero earned his master’s in social work from Rutgers University Graduate School of Social Work. Before earning his MSW, he worked as a child abuse investigator and adolescent case specialist for the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services. After moving to New York City, he served as Program and Site Director for a community-based organization on the Lower East Side, where he provided counseling, advocacy, and other services for immigrant families dealing with child abuse issues.

Professor Guerrero completed his postgraduate studies at the renowned Ackerman Institute for the Family in New York City. He maintains a private practice in Manhattan, specializing in family therapy with bi-racial, bi-cultural families. He has written and given presentations extensively on child abuse and neglect, the immigrant experience, and systemic family therapy. He also serves on the Board of St. Nick’s Alliance, a nonprofit social service agency that helps children and families in Brooklyn.

Professor Guerrero is entering his 14^th year as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University School of Social Work. He is the proud father of two adult daughters and currently lives with his wife in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn.