Policy Committee

Committee Charge

The Policy Committee, originally established in 1977 and renamed in 2024, is responsible for ongoing consultation to SRCD regarding its activities in the following areas:

1. Supporting implementation of SRCD’s strategic plan,
2. Linking research with global, national, and state/local policies that affect children and families,
3. Keeping membership apprised on policy to inform science,
4. Informing governmental decision-making regarding research on child development,
5. Encouraging the development of leaders in the translation of research to policy and practice, and
6. Enhancing the effective dissemination of developmental science.

The committee works through direct participation in activities and through close consultation with the SRCD Policy Director. In order to carry out this responsibility, the committee is organized in the following subcommittees:

• Policy Pulse subcommittee : Examines urgent science and social policy relevant to membership. Facilitates dialogue between SRCD's Policy Team and SRCD's Policy Committee to identify issues that may require a response from SRCD, engagement from members, or a coordinated effort. Rapidly reviews and votes on potential responses through a secure, protected online platform. Meeting cadence: 1hr monthly meetings.
• Child Policy Briefs subcommittee: Reviews submitted Child Policy Brief topics and prioritizes topics for development, serving as a liaison between the Policy Committee and expert reviewers or co-authors, and providing recommendations for potential contributors. Reviews completed briefs and provides final approval prior to publication. Meeting cadence: 90minutes bimonthly meetings.
• Conference Planning subcommittee: Coordinates with the Policy Team to plan biennial sessions under the “Policy Track” program, which includes reviewing biennial submissions (such as policy track proposals) and federal posters. Supports the Policy Team during the biennial as needed. Meeting cadence: 1hr quarterly meetings.
• Member Capacity Building subcommittee: Develops webinars and other engagement opportunities on timely policy issues, creating innovative pathways to foster peer-to-peer connections among members, and supporting member engagement through initiatives such as Child Policy Connect. Expands mentorship opportunities, particularly for early career members, to strengthen capacity and sustained involvement in science policy. Meeting cadence: 1hr bimonthly meetings.

Committee Roster