Child Development Research and the Legislative Process (From Reforming the Law: Impact of Child Development Research, P 86-101, 1987, Gary B Melton, ed. -- See NCJ-113735)

• NCJ Number: 113739
• Author(s): R Takanishi; G B Melton
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Guilford Publications, Inc.
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The U.S. Congress is an information-saturated environment in which information produced by child development researchers is but one source of information.

Abstract

Such information finds its way to legislators through a number of highly personal channels, as well as through congressional support agencies that both generate and consume research findings. Researchers who wish their work to enter and inform the policymaking process must identify the appropriate access points and produce reports that address policy issues directly. During the past decade, several factors have contributed to increased visibility of child development research. These include the Congressional Fellowships in Child Development, lobbying by relevant scientific societies, the Bush Foundation's network of training programs, and congressional units focused on child development. While there have been increases in the impact of research knowledge in a number of areas related to policy formation regarding children, systematic research into the impact of this activity is needed. There is a need to examine the information networks used by Congress and other policymakers; to broaden the issue network; to increase State professional associations' visibility; and to initiate practicum programs at strategically located universities that will help infuse research findings into policymaking. 28 references.