Expert

Jamie McClanahan

Researcher

Impact Areas
Contact Information
615-557-8291

Jamie McClanahan is a Researcher with Chapin Hall whose current work builds evidence to support children and families by applying quantitative research methods to child welfare policy and program evaluation projects. Currently, her research includes collaboration with child welfare systems and advocates in three primary areas: 1. Generating evidence of system performance using rigorous and methodologically sound measures of outcomes, process, quality, and capacity, and applying that evidence to continuous quality improvement efforts; 2. Implementing performance-based contracting initiatives; and 3. Evaluating intervention programs.

Prior to joining Chapin Hall, McClanahan worked for the court-appointed technical assistance committee and monitor of the Brian A. vs. Haslam lawsuit. In that position, McClanahan gained 15 years of experience in applying data from longitudinal analytic files and other sources, including case file reviews, to Tennessee child welfare system evaluation and reform efforts.

McClanahan holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She received her Bachelor of Science in German Language and Literature from Wellesley College.

Master of Science in Social Work, University of Tennessee in Knoxville

Bachelor of Science in German Language and Literature, Wellesley College

Wulczyn, F., Huhr, S., & McClanahan, J. (2018). African American/White disparities in the Tennessee foster care system. Chicago, IL: Center for State Child Welfare Data, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. Retrieved from https://fcda.chapinhall.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/AC-Consolidated-Disparity-Report_Dec2018_fin.pdf

Wulczyn, F., Orlebeke, B., Hislop, K., Schmits, F., McClanahan, J., & Huang, L. (2018). The dynamics of foster home recruitment and retention. Chicago, IL: Center for State Child Welfare Data, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. Retrieved from https://fcda.chapinhall.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Foster-Home-Report-Final_FCDA_October2018.pdf

The Center for State Child Welfare Data. (2018). Tennessee Accountability Center: Report 3. Chicago, IL: Center for State Child Welfare Data, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.  Retrieved from https://fcda.chapinhall.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Tennessee_Accountability_Center_Report3-12.21.pdf

The Center for State Child Welfare Data. (2018). Tennessee Accountability Center: Report 2. Chicago, IL: Center for State Child Welfare Data, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.  Retrieved from https://fcda.chapinhall.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Tennessee-Accountability-Center-Report2_05.31.18.pdf

The Center for State Child Welfare Data. (2017). Tennessee Accountability Center: Report 1. Chicago, IL: Center for State Child Welfare Data, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.  Retrieved from http://fcda.chapinhall.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Tennessee-Accountability-Center-Report1-.pdf

Key Work

Key Work

Project
Building Evidence on New York City’s Efforts to Provide Comprehensive Supports for Youth in Foster Care
This project examines whether New York City's Fair Futures Program is meeting its goals.
August 2, 2023
Research
Evaluation of Fair Futures Shows a Well-Developed but Still Emerging Model for Working with Young People in Foster Care
This report details the findings from an 18-month study of the implementation of the Fair Futures initiative. 
2022
Report
Effective Use of Administrative Data Can Strengthen Efforts to Maintain a Stable Supply of High-Quality Foster Homes
In this report, we demonstrate the potential of administrative data to contribute robust evidence in support of child welfare systems’ efforts to maintain a...
2018
Project
The Center for State Child Welfare Data
The Center for State Child Welfare Data–or the Data Center–supports child welfare systems in more than 30 states to make evidence-based decisions designed to...
January 1, 2018