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Upcoming Event

CCFP Career Series Explores Professional Directions of Alumni

Join us on January 28 to hear from graduates of the Child Policy Research Certificate program as they share their experiences and career insights.

 

Upcoming Event

The Scarlet Letter ‘S’: Reclaiming Humanity and Hope for Teen Suicide

Join us on February 26 for our Sulzberger Distinguished Lecture featuring Dr. Pamela Morris-Perez.

Announcement

Congratulations to Kenneth Dodge on Lifetime Contribution Award

Job Opportunity

We are Hiring

Visit our Employment page to learn more and apply.

Our Mission

The Center for Child and Family Policy is dedicated to improving the well-being of children and families through research, education, and engagement. We study factors that influence child outcomes, develop and test promising interventions, and advance evidence-based practices and policies that can inform change and unlock opportunities for all children and their families.

Recent News

Student Reflection on Conducting Research in Schools Panel 2025

December 12, 2025

CCFP News

On November 19, the School Research Partnership at Duke in the Center for Child and Family Policy hosted its annual “Conducting Research in Schools” panel discussion.

read more about Student Reflection on Conducting Research in Schools Panel 2025

Student Reflection on Samuels Talk “Evidence-Informed Public Policy”

December 9, 2025

CCFP News

The Duke Center for Child and Family Policy recently welcomed guest speaker Bryan Samuels, executive director of Chapin Hill, as part of the Sulzberger Distinguished Lecture Series.

read more about Student Reflection on Samuels Talk “Evidence-Informed Public Policy”

Reducing Food Insecurity Among Children in the U.S.

November 24, 2025

EconoFact

Food assistance programs specifically earmarked toward subsidizing household food costs such as SNAP and WIC have positive effects on infant health and school achievement and reduce behavioral problems in school, promoting a range of health and educational benefits in the short- and long-term.

read more about Reducing Food Insecurity Among Children in the U.S.

Helping Children Thrive Through Climate Change: Strategies for Raising Resilient Youth in a Warming World

November 19, 2025

Child & Family Blog

This article dives into how climate change affects children’s physical and psychological well-being, highlighting 3 strategies to help combat this.

read more about Helping Children Thrive Through Climate Change: Strategies for Raising Resilient Youth in a Warming World

Featured Projects

Research Project

Survey of Health Trends (SEHAT)

Study of children’s and adolescents’ trajectories of mental health, immunization, and primary healthcare utilization in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. The research is being conducted in India, where one-sixth of the world’s population lives.

learn more about Survey of Health Trends (SEHAT)
Research Project

Evaluation of NC Community Schools Coalition

Project Description The North Carolina Community Schools Coalition aims to improve the academic, mental, and physical health of North Carolina students through the development of Full-Service Community Schools across the state. Full-Service Community Schools prioritize partnerships between schools and the community to promote the overall success and well-being of children and families. The community schools model…

learn more about Evaluation of NC Community Schools Coalition
Research Project

Baby’s First Years Study

Baby’s First Years is a pathbreaking study of the causal impact of monthly, unconditional cash gifts to low-income mothers and their children in the first three years of the child’s life. The cash gifts are funded through charitable foundations. The study will identify whether reducing poverty can affect early childhood development and the family processes that support children’s development.

learn more about Baby’s First Years Study
Research Project

Understanding How Interpersonal Relationships and Social Support During War Promote Resilience and Recovery

This study focuses on understanding how Ukrainian youth and young adults are navigating the challenges of war not only regarding their coping strategies and individual adjustment, but also in how they are developing meaningful relationships with peers, partners, and parents, and the ways in which they are seeking and receiving support.

learn more about Understanding How Interpersonal Relationships and Social Support During War Promote Resilience and Recovery

For Students

The Center offers a variety of ways for Duke students at every level to learn about child and family policy and become involved in original research.