The objectives of the Institute are to:
- conduct research that characterises the situation of children in South Africa and identifies gaps and opportunities to strengthen law, policy and practice;
- make academic research accessible to government and civil society;
- engage in dialogue and evidence-based advocacy to promote effective policy design and service delivery;
- contribute to discourses on children and childhoods; and
- provide education and training to ensure that children's rights are respected in professional practice.
We aim to reach these objectives by fulfilling the following functions:
1. Research and scholarship:
- Defining research questions in specific child policy areas
- Conducting quality policy research and clarification
- Stimulating interdisciplinary research
- Collating and analysing secondary research and datasets
- Promoting socially responsive research and debate on policy issues pertinent to children's wellbeing
2. Education and training:
- Conducting policy research training for graduate students from different disciplines
- Contributing child policy modules to existing programmes
- Delivering short courses and other appropriate training to child practitioners and policymakers
3. Technical assistance and support:
- Providing technical assistance to policymakers and practitioners
- Supporting child policy role-players with information, training and practice guidelines
4. Advocacy:
- Communicating with government decision-makers
- Producing publications directed at the policy, service provider, academic and popular fields
- Disseminating information on children's rights and their situation in South Africa
- Participating in and supporting social movements that prioritise and promote children's well-being
- Increasing the cadre of practitioners, scholars and researchers versed in evidence-based approaches to child-focused policies and practices