The Center for Social Policy provides expertise
on policies and practices that reduce social and
economic inequities in Massachusetts and the nation.
CSP accomplishes its mission through active engagement with policymakers, service providers,
and those communities most directly affected by local, state,
and federal social welfare policies.The Center for Social Policy conducts applied research designed to inform
public debates. Our studies contain practical and sound information on urgent policy
issues. We focus on policies that most affect the lives of low-income
people who depend on human services.
In our research, we employ a multi-method approach, gathering both hard numbers and in-depth
experiential data from the front lines. We work closely with people who
are directly affected by public policies in framing questions, gathering
and analyzing data and making sense of findings.
The Center for Social Policy also conducts evaluation projects and collaborates
extensively with agency and program staff throughout the design and implementation
of an assessment. An important part of this process is an ongoing
evaluation of the program's effectiveness.
CSP measures the program's
progress toward its goals and assesses its actual operation, thus providing
a full picture of the ways it is carried out as well as its outcomes. The ongoing
assessment also yields valuable information for potential program expansion and
explication.
The Center for Social Policy has developed a strong reputation for the quality
of its research work and its ability to work collaboratively and effectively
with community-based organizations (CBOs) and policymakers.
The Center for Social Policy strives to:
- Focus on policies that most affect low-income
people
- Turn data into meaningful knowledge
- Improve processes, enhance outcomes
- Form active partnerships
- Empower service consumers and
providers
- Get the word out
- Help build wise policies that engender fruitful lives
Governing Values
Integrity
The Center for Social Policy is committed to producing relevant and scientifically
sound work and to adhering to high standards of accountability. All work will
be carried out honestly and ethically.
Equity
The Center for Social Policy is committed to promoting social justice and advocating
for those who are systematically disenfranchised. We strive to create an environment
in which all people are treated with respect.
Participation
The Center for Social Policy is committed to including the opinions of all
stakeholders in our decision making process, including funders, policymakers,
advocates, community based organizations, researchers/scholars, and constituents
(i.e., people who are socially and economically disenfranchised).
We will proactively build partnerships that include a broad representation of racial and ethnic
minorities, people with disabilities, gay/lesbian, bisexual and transgendered
people and people with various socio-economic backgrounds, experiences and ideas.
We will apply this standard internally as well as externally.
Excellence
The Center for Social Policy is committed to producing work of the highest quality
possible, Staff work creatively and innovatively to find solutions
to social and economic problems. Center for Social Policy practices will include time
for reflection, discussion about blind spots and limitations, and adjustments to ensure
that work meets the highest standard of expertise.
