Chapin Hall is an applied research center at the University of Chicago dedicated to conducting and actively disseminating rigorous research that serves children and youth, their families, and the communities in which they live. Our work is driven by the conviction that our society cannot afford to write off a single child, and that policy and programs designed to help children and adolescents—especially the most vulnerable—must be based on facts, not ideology or anecdote. At Chapin Hall, we are committed to building knowledge about the state of our young people—and the nature, extent, and consequences of the challenges they face—and sharing what we learn about how our society is faring in addressing those challenges.

Chapin Hall's multidisciplinary research agenda is developed in close collaboration with public agency directors, elected and appointed government officials, philanthropic leaders, and others who shape the policies and programs affecting the well-being and healthy development of children and adolescents. Our research devotes special attention to young people experiencing significant problems—such as abuse or neglect, poverty, delinquency, and mental or physical illness—and to the service systems designed to address these challenges.

The concept of Chapin Hall has been replicated in many other locations within and outside of the United States, often with the help of Chapin Hall Research Fellows. As relationships with these centers and individuals develop, interaction among them continues to grow, and has led to the evolving International Network of policy research centers.