Agenda for children and youth: linking research, policy, and practice.

Abstract

Issues and purpose: In this past century, we have made significant strides in our understanding of children's needs, but there is still much to learn as we enter the coming century. We must seek this new knowledge not only for the sake of knowing, but also for the sake of making change, ensuring that what we learn helps improve the future for our children and youth. These efforts require a strong link between policy, practice, and research.

Conclusions: Research partnerships can build our base of knowledge and help answer emerging policy and practice questions. Through research that focuses on the diversity and developmental phases of children, we can bring policy and practice into line with an increasingly refined understanding of children and their needs.

Practice implications: Because nurses look at the holistic needs of individuals, it is critical that they are involved in setting the social service research agenda and seeking ways that policy and practice can both inform and be informed by this research.