Skip to main content

Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies

The wellbeing of families and children is affected not just by what happens at home and work, in classrooms, and on playgrounds, but also by broader forces, such as federal and state policies and programs. IPR faculty in this area study how social, economic, and governmental contexts intertwine to affect family dynamics and outcomes—in particular, those of children and young adults.

A Message From Mesmin Destin, Program Chair

Mesmin Destin

This interdisciplinary program combines the interests of IPR faculty studying how social programs, policies, and contexts affect the lives of families and children. Drawing from the fields of human development and social policy, psychology, sociology, economics, and law, many faculty share common interests with scholars in IPR programs on Poverty, Race, and Inequality; Social Disparities and Health; and Education Policy—particularly in assessing the impact of public policies on America’s poor.

Working Papers

Recently published articles and working papers in this program area include:

All Papers

Faculty Experts

Faculty come from the fields of economics, sociology, communication, African American studies, education and social policy, and others.

View all experts

Events

Apr
08
2024
Can Paid Family Leave Prevent Future Epidemics of Obesity and Chronic Inflammation?

Thomas McDade, Carlos Montezuma Professor of Anthropology, IPR Fellow, and Director of IPR's Cells to Society (C2S): The Center on Social Inequalities and Health

Policy Study: Hospital Visits by Illinois Youth for Anxiety and Depression

Children and adolescents are visiting hospital emergency departments (EDs) for serious behavioral, mental, and mood disorders in increasing numbers. Those diagnosed with anxiety or depression are frequently hospitalized. Who is going to EDs for help and who is being hospitalized in Illinois? IPR associates Joe Feinglass, a community health scholar, and Matthew Davis, a pediatrician, investigate with their colleagues.

View published study