Researchers strive to identify, create and test strategies for improving child welfare programs, practices and policies. Gaps exist, however, between the research findings that are generated and the strategic use of research evidence by child welfare agencies. Researchers, policymakers, practitioners and other key stakeholders struggle with how best to support the application of high-quality research within complex child welfare systems.
The increased use of research evidence in planning and decision-making can help agencies strengthen the way they serve families. This research brief, Strategies to Promote Research Use in Child Welfare, is designed to be used by researchers, practitioners and policymakers to create opportunities for the meaningful use of research evidence to serve children and families in the child welfare system.