Welcome 

We are an interdisciplinary research group in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. We aim to improve children's social and emotional health and reduce health disparities starting in childhood by:

• Creating better connections between research and policy
• Addressing the determinants of children's health
• Preventing disorders in children at risk
• Promoting effective programs and services, and
• Monitoring our collective progress toward improving the lives of all children

Our work complements the mission of the Faculty of Health Sciences to advance the health of populations locally, nationally and globally.
 

Current Projects

• Scientific evaluation of the Nurse-Family Partnership: The Children's Health Policy Centre is leading a $5 million scientific evaluation of the landmark Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program in conjunction with the BC Ministry of Health, the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development, BC’s Health Authorities, and the Offord Centre for Child Studies at McMaster University.

  Primary investigators Charlotte Waddell (Simon Fraser University) and Harriet MacMillan (McMaster University) are leading a team conducting a randomized-controlled trial across BC, starting later in 2012.

  Developed by Dr. David Olds at the University of Colorado, NFP involves public health nurses providing intensive education and support to vulnerable first-time mothers in their homes, beginning prenatally and continuing until children are two years old. This 30-year-old public health program has been found to have lasting benefits in diverse US settings — preventing child maltreatment, reducing child antisocial behaviour, and improving developmental outcomes for both children and mothers

  The Children’s Health Policy Centre was pleased to bring Dr. Olds to Vancouver for a public dialogue in January 2011, as the inaugural event in our annual Mowafaghian Children's Health Policy Visiting Scholar Program. A complete recording of the event is available. You may also wish to view a 4-minute video on the nurse-family partnership.

  Funding for the program itself — and participant enrollment in it — will be managed through the local Health Authorities. Anyone wanting more information on NFP is welcome to contact the NFP Provincial Coordinator, Ms Donna Jepsen at 604-707-6372 or Donna.Jepsen(at)gov.bc.ca
  
  

• Mowafaghian Visiting Scholar Program: Noted Canadian health economist Steven Lewis will be the featured speaker at the second annual Mowafaghian Visiting Scholar event, at the Wosk Centre, May 23, 2012. His topic is: What the Dickens: How Canadian health policy orphans children's health. Pre-registration is required. A limited number of seats are available. If you are interested in attending please contact Daphne Gray-Grant, 604-228-8818 or daphne_gray-grant(at)sfu.ca to request an invitation.
  
  
• Policy Pathways to Better Outcomes for Children with Autism: This qualitative study examines the sometimes-contentious arena of policy-making for children with autism. We are studying the perspectives of policy-makers, researchers and parents of children with autism to learn how programs and services for these and other vulnerable children may be improved. Interviews have been completed and findings are being prepared for publication and presentation in Spring 2012.
  
  
• Indicators for Monitoring BC Children’s Mental Health in the Population: This project explores how we may use existing public data to develop indicators for monitoring children's mental health outcomes in British Columbia. The study has been completed and findings are now being shared with policy-makers. As well, a paper has been submitted for peer review.
  
  
• Children's Mental Health Research Quarterly: A resource for policy-makers, practitioners, families and community members, this electronic publication provides systematic reviews of the latest research on children’s mental health. You are invited to view the most recent edition and to subscribe. 

Results of previous projects can be seen on the webpages that list our journal articles and research reports.

Through the Faculty of Health Sciences, we provide education and research training on health policy, children’s mental health and population health. If you have a general inquiry about working with us, please contact the office manager. For information on undergraduate and graduate programs in population and public health, please visit the Faculty of Health Sciences website (see our links page).

If you are concerned about a child having a mental health problem, please contact your family doctor or Child and Youth Mental Health Services (see our links page).

The Children’s Health Policy Centre is supported by Simon Fraser University, the Canada Research Chairs program, independent research grants from peer-reviewed funding agencies and the BC government.

We are also grateful for a generous endowment from the Mowafaghian Foundation that supports our ongoing research and development.