About the Centre

The Centre for the Study of Services to Children and Families (CSSCF) is a cross-campus research centre dedicated to improving outcomes for children, youth, and families. Under the direction of Dr. Sarah Dow-Fleisner, Associate Professor of Social Work at UBC-Okanagan, and Dr. Barbara Lee, Assistant Professor of Social Work at UBC-Vancouver, the CSSCF focuses on strengthening the systems that support those experiencing adversity, including trauma, mental health challenges, poverty, child welfare involvement, and social inequities. Through community partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to applied research, the CSSCF continues to advance research related to services for children and families and contributes to evidence-based practices and policies in British Columbia and beyond.

Our Centre’s Mission

To identify and support the development of evidence-informed policies, programs, and services aimed at improving the lives of children, youth, and families from diverse social contexts.

Our Primary Aims