The Duke University Center for Child and Family Policy was established on July 1, 1999, with Kenneth A. Dodge, William McDougall Professor of Public Policy and Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, as its director. “About Us”, Duke Center for Child and Family Policy, retrieved 2014-January-28 The center brings scientific research on children and families into the policymaking arena. The Year in Review: 2013 Annual Report , Duke Center for Child and Family Policy, retrieved 2014-January-28

History

The Center for Child and Family Policy grew out of discussions among a group of Duke faculty members from different disciplines who were interested in child development and child policy. The group, which included John Coie (psychology), Phil Costanzo (psychology), Philip J. Cook (public policy and economics), Jane Costello (psychiatry), and Alan Kerckhoff (sociology), among others, approached William Chafe, then dean of the faculty of Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, who agreed to support the launching of a new center dedicated to child and family policy. In 1998, Kenneth Dodge, a clinical and developmental psychologist from Vanderbilt University who had earned his Ph.D. at Duke in 1978, was recruited to lead the venture. “History”, Duke Center for Child and Family Policy, retrieved 2014-February 3

The Center for Child and Family Policy opened on July 1, 1999. It now includes about 70 employees and more than 40 affiliated faculty fellows. It is affiliated with Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy Sanford School Programs , Sanford School of Public Policy, retrieved 2014-June-13 and Social Science Research Institute. SSRI Affiliates & Programs , Social Science Research Institute, retrieved 2014-June-13

Programs

Research Center research “Current Projects”, Duke Center for Child and Family Policy, retrieved 2014-February-6 focuses on issues relevant to child and family policy, including early childhood education, early adversity and early interventions, “Home Visit for All Newborns to Assess Risk of Child Maltreatment Improves Parenting Skills, Reduces Medical Emergencies, and Generates Positive Return on Investment” , Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, retrieved on 2014-June-11 ADHD, education reform, “Kids Who Repeat a Grade Can Become Discipline Problems, Study Says”, US News & World Report, retrieved on 2014-June-11 parenting across cultures, “American Moms Creating a Parenting Melting Pot”, USA Today, retrieved 2014-February-4 changing family structure, effects of job loss on student performance and prevention of adolescent problem behaviors such as violence, mental illness and substance abuse. The Center houses a large research effort focused on the biology and behavior underlying teen substance abuse, the Center for the Study of Adolescent Risk and Resilience (C-StARR). “Duke Opening New Center to Study Teen Substance Abuse”, North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC, retrieved 2014-February-4

NC Education Research Data Center The Center is also home to the NC Education Research Data Center, established in 2000 as a partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. North Carolina Education Data Center , Duke Center for Child and Family Policy, retrieved 2014-February-6 It houses data on N.C.'s public schools, which is available to researchers and nonprofit institutions for use in research.

Teaching

The Center offers fellowships to undergraduate and graduate students interested in child and family policy. It also offers a Child Policy Research Certificate program for Duke undergraduates. “Teaching”, Duke Center for Child and Family Policy, retrieved 2014-February-4

Public engagement

Center faculty and staff consult with policymakers and practitioners, responding to requests for research, Testimony by E. Jane Costello, United States Committee on Indian Affairs, retrieved 2014-June-11 information, and program evaluation. Center staff members have presented educational seminars for North Carolina lawmakers on issues such as childhood obesity and juvenile justice. The Center's School Research Partnership facilitates research in local schools, linking school district and other organizations with Duke students and researchers. “Policy and Practice” , Duke Center for Child and Family Policy, retrieved 2014-February-6

References