Policy and Social Innovation

Yale Child Study Center faculty, staff, and trainees work to improve the lives of children and families by translating research and evidence-based practice into effective policy change, legislative advocacy efforts, and social innovation at local, state, national and global levels.

For over 100 years, the Center has been a leader in shaping policies that impact children and families in areas such as child protection and placement, early care and education, school-based health and mental health services, school disciplinary practices, and family leave provisions, and more.

This work has also led to innovative models of change such as the federally-funded Head Start program and global peace-building initiatives, as well as cross-departmental, interdisciplinary collaboration resulting in evidence-based reviews of legislative actions related to gender-affirming care.

YCSC policy, legislative advocacy, and social innovation initiatives impact millions of lives every year, though much more is needed to ensure that children and families across the the world achieve their fullest potential. Work is currently underway to create a YCSC Policy Hub that will contribute toward this need. Details will be available soon.