American Humane's Adjunct Faculty Member Frank Ascione Joins University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work as Visiting Professor.

DENVER -- The American Humane Association announced that Frank R. Ascione, Ph.D., of Utah State University has joined the faculty of the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work as visiting professor from December 2008 to May 2009. He continues serving as adjunct faculty member with American Humane, the 131-year-old national nonprofit whose mission is the protection of children and animals. He also continues his positions with Utah State University as a professor in the Department of Psychology and an adjunct professor in Family and Human Development.

According to James Herbert Williams, dean and professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, Dr. Ascione's research examines the common roots of violence toward people and animals and is directed at identifying an early indicator of at-risk status in children. "During his time at the Graduate School of Social Work, Dr. Ascione will be consulting and guest lecturing in Animal-Assisted Social Work Certificate courses, advising on curriculum development and grants in that area, mentoring doctoral students, speaking in classes, consulting with faculty members, and supporting our efforts with community partners," he noted. "He will also deliver a schoolwide lecture on his current research and scholarship."

Dr. Ascione's research is recognized internationally. He has conducted studies related to humane education and children's attitudes toward animals and recently has focused on child and adolescent animal abuse. For American Humane, he has keynoted numerous conferences, provided research and consultation and bolstered the organization's Human-Animal Bond Division for four years.

Dr. Ascione's two latest books, both from Purdue University Press, are Children and Animals: Exploring the Roots of Kindness and Cruelty, which was sponsored by American Humane and the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust; and The International Handbook of Animal Abuse and Cruelty: Theory, Research, and Application, which was sponsored by the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link([R]) between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane's regional office in Los Angeles is the exclusive authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed"([R]) end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane's office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane Certified([TM]) farm animal program is the nation's original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food (www.thehumanetouch.org). American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America's "Best in America" Seal of Approval, and has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.