New Homepage

OUR SUPPORT

We help our stakeholders to answer questions such as:

What are the outcomes we want to achieve?
How do we measure our progress toward these outcomes?
How do we know if an approach or program is achieving the outcomes we desire?
How do we make better use of the data, information, knowledge, and wisdom we have within our organization? Across organizations? Across sectors?
Are there new ways to address some of the issues that we haven’t been able to address?
What can we learn from our experience developing and implementing this program?
How can we adapt and apply an approach or program that has achieved positive outcomes somewhere else?
How do we make sure we are using evidence-informed practices and developing evidence-informed policy?

Learn about the Services we provide to help answer these questions!

FEATURED VIDEO

PolicyWise (formerly the Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research) exists to improve child wellbeing by conducting, funding and mobilizing research for evidence-informed policy and practice.

PolicyWise was established as a not-for-profit corporation in 2003 and is a partnership between Alberta’s universities, the community and the Government of Alberta. We are a provincial organization, governed by a Board of Directors, managed by a President and CEO and supported by a team of individuals with expertise in applied research, data science, knowledge mobilization, communications and administration.

PolicyWise distinguishes itself through our focus on generating evidence to inform social policy, our collaborative approach and organizational structure: a formal bridge between government, academia, and the community. With the development of the longitudinal study in 2007, we have played a unique role in the analysis and interpretation of linked administrative data collected across all child and youth serving ministries. It is the only such data laboratory in Canada.

More Videos

Menasha Nikhanj

"The results of their work clearly showed the need for a multi-sector, collaborative framework to support these complex needs individuals. Their report and considerations assisted us in opening significant dialogue with our partners. We were no longer relying solely on experience and intuition, but on evidence-based approach provided by the results of data. These learnings and data analysis have propelled us forward significantly." Full quote. Menasha Nikhanj, Director, Integrated Community Safety, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General

Darcy Fleming

“The pioneering work of the CYDL has transformed how we view and conduct data integration and cannot be understated. So many of the legal, administrative, and technical challenges associated with data integration have been either resolved or remediated, thereby paving the way for future integration activities." Darcy Fleming, Team Lead, Program Effectiveness, Reporting and Training, Community and Social Services

Allison Bichel, MPH MBA PhD

"Policywise is reliable, rigorous in their approach, and collaborative. I look forward to future efforts working together to improve outcomes for children and families." Allison Bichel, MPH MBA PhD, Senior Provincial Director, Addiction and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services

Ian Wheeliker

"PolicyWise is a very collaborative partner to work with. They have shown great sensitivity and expertise in conceptualizing research and evaluation in the complex area of violence against women." Ian Wheeliker, Director of Programs, Alberta Coalition of Women’s Shelters

Angela Ross BA, BSW, RSW

"My experience with PolicyWise is that they are true collaborators, willing to ‘roll up their sleeves’ alongside the program and policy folks. They are professional, reliable and knowledgeable." Angela Ross BA, BSW, RSW, Manager, Program and Policy-Youth Initiatives, Alberta Children's Services

RECENT NEWS

Dates to Remember

*indicates this event takes place on the same day every year bold indicates STAT holidays January *January is Mentoring Month *January 1 – New Years Day January 17 – International Mentoring Day January 29 – Bell Let’s Talk Day February…

2019 PolicyWise Community AGM

On September 27, 2019, PolicyWise will be holding their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the YMCA Family Resource Centre in Birch Hall (gymnasium). This will be a community event to share the work we’ve done this past year, as well…

MyCHILD Collaboration Final Report – Exploring integration of data for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities

The Maternal, Youth, Children and Infant Linked Data Alberta Initiative (MyCHILD) is a collaboration between the Maternal, Newborn, Child and Youth Strategic Network of Alberta Health Services, Alberta Community and Social Services, PolicyWise, and Alberta Innovates. The goal is explore…