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
Research Mission
The CSSCF’s research mission is to inform the development of evidence-informed practice and policies impacting and supporting children, youth, and families through qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.
In service of its mission, the CSSCF addresses three main areas:
(Last update: February 19, 2026)