Issues We Focus On

State and local systems play a critical role in helping children thrive. CPR partners with government agencies, nonprofits, and communities to strengthen programs that support safety, healthy development, and long-term wellbeing. Our work includes initiatives across child welfare and early childhood programs, homelessness and housing instability, behavioral health, school and community-based services, youth justice and diversion programs, and efforts that help young people transition successfully into adulthood.

CPR has pioneered research in the child support field for decades, helping programs modernize, improve outcomes for families, and adapt to evolving economic realities. Our work spans guideline development, procedural fairness, and customer engagement, while also integrating strategies that support employment, reduce debt, and connect parents with broader family services.

CPR works with courts, public agencies, and community organizations to prevent violence and prioritize survivor safety. Our research and evaluations focus on coordinated community responses, survivor-centered services, batterer intervention programs, and the use of data and tools to enhance safety planning and system effectiveness.

Economic stability is the foundation of strong families. CPR supports research, program design, and policy development that help families build financial security, access jobs, and strengthen long-term economic resilience. This includes work in workforce development, income supports, apprenticeships, financial capability, and pilot programs exploring innovative strategies like guaranteed income.

CPR is a national leader in fatherhood research, evaluation, and program design. We help practitioners and policymakers understand fathers’ needs and strengthen engagement, covering areas such as responsible fatherhood programs, employment and training supports, parenting and coparenting interventions, and assessments of father-friendly policies at the state and community level.

Stable housing is essential for family wellbeing. CPR collaborates with agencies and organizations to evaluate programs that prevent homelessness and expand access to safe, stable housing. Our work examines links between housing and employment, eviction prevention, transitional housing, and the integration of housing supports with other family services.

Effective parenting-time arrangements and coparenting relationships benefit children’s emotional and developmental health. CPR supports courts, child support programs, and service providers in implementing accessible approaches that reduce conflict and strengthen parent relationships, including mediation, co-parenting education, and integrated service models that combine parenting support with other family-focused interventions.

CPR works collaboratively with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities to support culturally grounded research, policy development, and system improvement. Our efforts focus on honoring Indigenous data sovereignty while enhancing family and community wellbeing through culturally responsive programs in child support, fatherhood, parenting, and cross-agency collaboration.