University of North Carolina

A pair of recent studies asserts that psychological abuse may be as harmful as other forms of child maltreatment, including physical and sexual abuse. Although researchers describe emotional abuse of children as widely prevalent, it has not always been seen as serious or as damaging as other forms of maltreatment.

The Chicago-based Children’s Home Society of America (CHSA) will establish a research network aimed at testing and improving policies around child welfare and well-being. CHSA, which was founded in 1883 by Illinois Reverend Martin Van Arnsdale, will regionally partner with universities to establish the Child Welfare Practice-Based Research Network.

The field of child welfare is brimming with policy proposals and legislation that could dramatically change the way the federal government invests in foster care and families on the brink. What’s more, some appear to have bipartisan support or the potential for it.