Lonnie Berger's research focuses on the ways in which economic resources, sociodemographic characteristics, and public policies affect parental behaviors and child and family well-being.  His current projects 1) explore relationships between income, family structure, parental work, parenting behaviors, and children's care, development and well-being; 2) examine the determinants of "substandard" parenting, child maltreatment, and out-of-home placements for children; 3) assess the impacts of family leave on children's health and well-being; and 4) explore the effects of subsidized housing on behaviors (e.g., labor supply) and well-being among low-income families. Major funding for his work comes from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Teaching: SW 646 Child Abuse and Neglect; SW 920 Child, Youth and Family Policies and Services; and SW Research Methods in the doctoral program.