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Developments Vol. 6, n°. 1 - Fall 2001

Welcome to the New Developments Newsletter

The Applied Research Branch (ARB) of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) plays a leadership role in supplying information to the federal government for the formulation of policy related to children and youth. Through the Applied Research Branch, HRDC sponsors several unique surveys that support longitudinal research on children and youth, from birth through the major transitions to adulthood.

Until now, the Developments Newsletter has provided information about the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) and other initiatives such as Understanding the Early Years (UEY) and the National Children's Agenda (NCA). However, in recognition of the need to be more inclusive of research on the transitions of young children, as well as the transitions of youth into adulthood, this issue of Developments will introduce the reader to the Youth in Transition Survey (YITS) and the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The upcoming 2002 conference will also be featured in this edition.

We look forward to providing information on future ARB projects related to children and youth.

NLSCY Opportunities for Doctoral Scholars

The Applied Research Branch is pleased to announce the launch of a three year joint research initiative with the Social Science and Humanities Research Council's (SSHRC) Strategic Grants program. This joint research theme, entitled "Fellowship Supplements for Research on Canadian Children and Youth," will provide financial support to outstanding SSHRC doctoral and postdoctoral fellows. Starting June 2002, ARB will award up to five (5) successful applicants with a top up supplement of $5,000 for one year over and above the SSHRC grant for those proposing policy relevant research using the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY).

The resulting body of work from this joint initiative will complement the ongoing research support activities of the ARB, which generates policy relevant research to guide child and social development as well as human capital development. With the assistance of SSHRC, Canada's primary granting agency for research in the field of social sciences and humanities, this research initiative will encourage progressive research on children and youth by SSHRC doctoral and postdoctoral fellows.

The objectives of the joint initiative are to:

• Expand research capacity on Canadian children and youth by encouraging use of NLSCY;
• Encourage and assist cooperation between researchers and policy makers;
• Stimulate policy-relevant research into key areas of inquiry in the field of Canadian children and youth; and
• Encourage the training of future researchers in the field of Canadian children and youth.

2002 Conference

Improving the Odds through Integrated Research, Policy and Practice

The Applied Research Branch will be hosting Ready, Set, Go!, a national dialogue conference, from January 30th to February 1st, 2002 at the Ottawa Congress Centre. This conference will let researchers, policymakers and practitioners discuss key social issues facing Canada today such as:

1. How to best support Canadian families and their children;
2. How to help Canadians build the skills and take advantage of the lifelong learning opportunities they need in the new economy; and
3. How to enable disadvantaged Canadians to move from positions of exclusion to full inclusion in society.

Participants will find out about the latest in research, policy and practice. Expert presenters will include Greg Duncan and Dan Keating on how community influences family issues, Dan Offord on early child development in Canada, and Clyde Hertzman on how social capital affects children.

Throughout the conference, our focus will be on lifespan and cross-sectoral analysis, as well as dialogue. Participants will be encouraged to give policy and practice perspectives on the research presented, including exciting new findings on Canadian youth. We invite delegates to highlight their best practices in integrating research, policy and practice through our poster session. As well, promotional opportunities will be available.

For more information about Ready, Set, Go!, visit http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/readysetgo or call 1-800-342-7146 Ext. 257.

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