A new Penn State project aims to investigate ways to increase evidence-based policymaking by providing researchers and legislative staff the skills and opportunity to work together on translating scientific findings into effective policy.

Children who suffer childhood sexual abuse early are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, adolescent pregnancy and teenage motherhood, according to new Penn State research.

Federal legislation will radically change how foster care dollars can be used, and Penn State’s Child Maltreatment Solutions Network and Center for Healthy Children is leading the charge to ensure services intended to prevent foster care placement, and better serve foster youth, are backed by sound research.