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Policy Issues in Brief - Critical Policy Insights

About the Policy Issues in Brief

The Policy Issues in Brief series provides concise, research-informed analyses of critical topics in child welfare. Each brief examines pressing challenges, highlights evidence-based insights, and offers actionable recommendations for professionals, policymakers, and advocates committed to driving positive change for children and families.

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Each brief is designed to support informed decision-making, spark dialogue, and inspire effective policies that enhance the well-being of children and families.

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    Registration of Youth with Problematic/Illegal Sexual Behaviors

    We examine youth sexual offense trends in states with reforms to assess whether registration deters offenses or reduces recidivism. Findings aim to support eliminating or reducing public registration of youth.

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    Preventing Abusive Head Trauma: What Research Can Tell Us

    This resource assists prosecutors and child welfare professionals in litigating Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) cases effectively, alongside prevention strategies to address one of the most severe forms of child abuse.

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    Poverty, Neglect, and Child Protection Reform

    This brief explores the challenges shaping child welfare reform, with a focus on strengthening families through community services and ensuring safety and permanence for vulnerable children.

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    Positive Parenting as Defined in the Academic Literature: Issues and Recommendations

    This brief promotes positive parenting methods as defined in the academic literature. Families can adopt these empirically supported strategies to enhance parenting outcomes.

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    Positive Parenting as Defined in the Parenting Practices Literature: Issues and Recommendations

    This brief promotes positive parenting methods as defined in parenting practices literature. Families can adopt these empirically supported strategies to enhance parenting outcomes.

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Explore these essential resources to stay engaged with critical issues in the child welfare field. Visit our Child Maltreatment Policy Resource Center to explore policy papers and articles that delve deeper into these critical issues.