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INFORMING POLICY AND PRACTICE

We generate knowledge by conducting research and evaluation, and by managing, linking, and analyzing data. We measure the impact of how we influence positive changes for children and families.

PolicyWise is a charitable, not-for-profit corporation. We are managed by a President and CEO and governed by a dedicated Board of Directors. Our employees are experts in applied research and evaluation, data science, knowledge mobilization, marketing & communications, and administration.

Vision:

Children, youth, and families thrive in respectful, safe, and supportive environments shaped by wise decisions.

Mission:

To inform, identify, and promote effective social policy and practice to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities.

Values

We are guided by our values:

Impact
Innovation
Transparency
Ethics
Quality

Our Foundation is grounded in trusted:

Relationships
Approaches
Evidence

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 Year’s Day January 29, 2020 – Bell Let’s Talk Day February *February 11- International Day of…

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…