Chapin Hall

Chapin Hall Marks 40 Years of Applying Evidence to Practice and Policy; Charts Future Course

New Board of Directors Named

Forty years ago, the first ever applied research and policy center focused on child and family well-being was founded. Chapin Hall began in 1985 as a research center within the University of Chicago; today it is a fully independent research and policy center committed to applying evidence to practice and policy.

“For 40 years, Chapin Hall has built pathways from research to action, combining rigorous data analysis with the lived experiences of those most impacted by public policies,” said Executive Director Bryan Samuels. “This approach—harnessing evidence, transforming practice, and elevating community—has driven real change in child welfare, youth homelessness, and beyond. We’ve learned that data alone is not enough; real impact comes from integrating insights with the voices of families and youth.”

Samuels, who came to Chapin Hall in 2013, has overseen incredible growth of the organization—from 60 staff then to 150 now. During that period the annual budget has more than doubled, and Chapin Hall has assumed a national presence with staff throughout the country. This past year, Chapin Hall became an independent center and named a new Board of Directors.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 40^th anniversary than to announce the impressive group of people who have agreed to assume leadership at Chapin Hall,” said Samuels. The new Board is made up of deeply committed people from across the country who represent a strategic mix of skills and perspectives. Their aim is to support and grow Chapin Hall’s impact, with the goal of strengthening children, youth, and families in communities. Follow this link to meet the new Board and watch short videos of each member talking about why they chose Chapin Hall.

Today, Chapin Hall is also publishing a digital, illustrated timeline of key events in our 40-year history. From seminal research on child welfare and youth homelessness, to groundbreaking efforts to apply evidence to family policy, the timeline captures key accomplishments over four decades.

“As we look to the future, we’re more committed than ever to challenging outdated systems and codesigning solutions with the communities we serve,” said Samuels. “Our future will build on our unique combination of research capacity and policy expertise. This combination makes us strong partners to those who take an evidence-based approach policy and practice. Our next 40 years will focus on advancing equity and amplifying the voices of those often left out of policy conversations. With an increasingly talented team, we’re ready to build on our commitment to use evidence to create a more just and thriving society.”

Throughout 2025, watch for announcements of exciting new projects, partnerships, and staff leadership that will shape our next 40 years. Chapin Hall is committed to building on our legacy of rigorous study and to applying evidence to ensure all children and families thrive.