engagement

The Center carries out a range of engagement activities to enhance connections and interaction between research and policy and practice. As a result, policymakers and practitioners frequently seek expertise and insight from our researchers and faculty for the latest knowledge and findings on a wide range of child and family issues. The array of stakeholders who seek assistance and guidance from the Center continues to grow; we fulfill numerous requests for research, information, expert advice, evaluation services, speakers, and community service.

The Center’s policy engagement work reflects Duke’s commitment to “knowledge in the service of society.”  The Center is continuously looking for opportunities to share research results in ways that make the information meaningful and useful to policymakers and practitioners.

The Program Evaluation Services Unit is a major service initiative of the Center. Established in 2004, the unit boasts a substantial portfolio of evaluation contracts with local, state and national policymakers and nonprofits who want to know if their programs are effective. We play a key role by assisting these organizations with program development, evaluation, grant writing and communications needs.