The Interdisciplinary Research Center on Children and Families plays a leading role in advancing and disseminating research informed by the lived experiences of youth, caregivers, and providers across multiple disciplines to promote child safety, permanency, and well-being.

Our Goals

• Develop and sustain partnerships within and across professions that intersect in the lives of children and families, including but not limited to social work, social sciences, education, law, medicine, nursing, and behavioral health.
• Bridge gaps between child welfare and well-being research, policy, teaching, and service.
• Prepare future leaders and scholars in child and family advocacy through scholarly engagement in interdisciplinary education and research.
• Ensure research, teaching, and service is pursued with intention to eliminate racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism – and other forms of inequity and disparate outcomes among at risk youth and families.
• Translate or disseminate empirical and applicable evidence in child-focused practice or clinical contexts.