Center research is designed to be responsive to child welfare system needs.

Center research is designed to be responsive to the mission and responsibilities of public child welfare systems nationwide as we strive to foster a broader, national understanding of child welfare issues, trends, and solutions to stimulate system improvement.

The CFRC employs a research system of outcome monitoring, service planning, program evaluation, and performance auditing to support and promote evidence-based practice and administration of child welfare programs. The system, based on five principles of care, supports decision-making at various levels by performing a series of data analyses and management functions that include outcomes monitoring, needs assessment, service planning, program evaluation, service experimentation, performance contracting and auditing.

The CFRC engages in and is supportive of research that addresses identified need, is policy and practice relevant, and searches for innovative solutions to the complex issues the child welfare community faces. We encourage and facilitate public child welfare research activities through development grants and wide-ranging collaborative relationships.

Center staff share research and program findings with the larger child welfare community through journal publications, public presentations, and speaking engagements at state and national conferences.

CFRC research goals are to reinforce and build excellence in the development and dissemination of service innovations and research knowledge for the betterment of public child welfare.