Northern Illinois University
Department of Psychology
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Principles

Supporting the Well-being of Children, Youth and Families

Our team studies and applies research to improve the well-being of children, youth and families—especially in areas where major change is needed. We focus on issues of inequality that are complex and often require cooperation across different fields, organizations and systems.

Promoting Equity and Justice

We work to improve justice for people affected by inequalities in the child welfare system and in society. Through research, we help develop system-wide changes that make access and outcomes more equal for marginalized groups.

Creating Research-based Change

We support change efforts that are based on research and lead to new knowledge, rigorous research methods and implementation strategies—like collective impact and implementation science—to drive meaningful policy and practice improvements. We balance big-picture planning with hands-on support to create both incremental and transformative system improvements.

Encouraging Collaboration and Participation

We use inclusive and collaborative approaches to co-design, conduct and evaluate our research. This means working closely with the people most affected by our projects and initiatives, including those with firsthand experience, front-line workers and experts from different fields and sectors.

Championing Innovative and Evidence-based Practices

We partner with people from diverse backgrounds to develop and promote new and effective policies and practices. Our process uses clear communication and structured planning to build momentum for creative solutions. We also help organizations use data and continuous improvement methods to strengthen their programs over time.

Objectives

Enhance Workforce Development

• Support the design and implementation of leadership programs that empower staff at every level, creating opportunities for both personal and professional growth in child welfare work.
• Develop resources—like the Translating Child Welfare Research podcast, workshops and professional development resources—to strengthen workforce skills and encourage reflection and learning.

Promote Equity and Justice

• Include justice-focused and equity-based strategies in planning, programming and workforce development.
• Use data to identify and reduce disparities in engagement, support and outcomes, ensuring children and families have equitable access to needed supports.

Strengthen Well-being Practices

• Create tools and systems that bring healing-centered and trauma-informed approaches into child welfare and other child-serving organizations.
• Partner with individuals with lived expertise to strengthen trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices that support the well-being of staff, children and families.

Integrate Research and Data into Decision-making

• Using numerical, geographic and story-based data to guide decisions, improve programs and measure success.
• Support the co-creation of innovative projects and partnerships that build organizational knowledge and promote ongoing improvement.

Support Leadership in Child Welfare

• Help connect researchers, professionals, people with lived experience and leaders to share knowledge and move child welfare goals forward.
• Co-design effective models and support for transformative, family-centered leadership development in child welfare.