The Public Policy Crisis of ICE Detention Centers for Children and Families
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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 Morris-Perez Talk “The Scarlet Letter S”
March 10, 2026
CCFP News
“Always and forever, for Frankie.” Those are the words Dr. Pamela Morris-Perez used to end her lecture, “The Scarlet Letter ‘S’: Reclaiming Humanity & Hope for Teen Suicide,” as part of the Center for Child and Family Policy’s Sulzberger Distinguished Lecture Series.
read more about Student Reflection on Morris-Perez Talk “The Scarlet Letter S”Student Reflection on the CCFP Career Series Panel
February 18, 2026
CCFP News
The recent CCFP Career Series panel brought together five certificate alumni at different stages in their professional careers. Working across fields in social policy research, health technology, education, and post-graduate studies, the panel offered current Duke students advice and a conversation about life after Duke.
read more about Student Reflection on the CCFP Career Series PanelAn Award to Fund Groundbreaking Child and Family Policy Research Image
February 18, 2026
Duke Today
Duke University has received a $10.5 million award from Bukhman Philanthropies to support the Center for Child and Family Policy’s groundbreaking research on improving the well-being of children and families.
read more about An Award to Fund Groundbreaking Child and Family Policy Research ImageChildren’s Sensitivity to Facial Emotional Expressions
February 11, 2026
CCFP News
A newly completed study led by Helen Milojevich examined how socioeconomic status (SES) relates to children’s emotion recognition abilities.
read more about Children’s Sensitivity to Facial Emotional Expressions
Featured Projects
Research Project
STEPS: Study of Teen Experiences that Promote Success
This project aims to advance research on the relationship between economic well-being, wealth, adolescent functioning and mental health.
learn more about STEPS: Study of Teen Experiences that Promote Success
Research Project
ITTI Care
The Infant-Toddler Trauma-Informed Care (ITTI Care) Project leverages the existing early childhood education workforce support system to expand and strengthen trauma-informed knowledge and practice within the communities they serve.
learn more about ITTI Care
Research Project
North Carolina Preschool Development Grant
Project Description CCFP researchers have partnered with colleagues at The Hunt Institute and Child Trends on multiple projects for North Carolina’s Preschool Development Grant, within the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education The Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG) is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration…
learn more about North Carolina Preschool Development Grant
Research Project
Durham Children’s Initiative Evaluation
Project Description The Durham Children’s Initiative (DCI) (formerly East Durham Children’s Initiative) is a place-based, nonprofit organization that supports children and families from cradle to college or career. Established in 2010, DCI’s vision is that all children in Durham graduate from high school ready for college or career. To achieve this vision, DCI provides children…
learn more about Durham Children’s Initiative EvaluationFor 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.