Aim
Increased research-based knowledge on child welfare, including on marginalised groups.
Method
CBSS member states routinely apply evidence-informed approaches to policy development. For example, in Norway, as a rule, the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir), states thatpolicy development should be guided by evidence.
It is common in CBSS member states for the ministries in charge of child protection and child welfare to commission research, mapping, and surveys in a range of areas. To do this, they often collaborate with centres of excellence, universities, and research institutions who have the expertise on children and young people.
Germany and Norway, in particular, have an active academic community conducting a broad range of research studies in child protection and child welfare. A large part of this research is available in English.
Outcome
Experience shows that applying evidence-informed approaches to policy development can ensure effective child welfare work and strengthen the overall competence of the workforce, including for specialised interventions such as those for vulnerable groups.
