Functions of the Children's Institute
1. Research and scholorship:
- Defining research questions in specific child policy areas
- Conducting quality policy research and clarification
- Stimulating inter-disciplinary research
- Collating and analysing secondary research and datasets
- Promoting socially responsive research and debate on policy issues pertinent to children's well-being
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 policy-makers
3. Technical assistance and support
- Providing technical assistance to policy-makers and practitioners
- Supporting child policy roleplayers 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