Child Well-Being: A Framework for Policy and Practice

Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago hosted a webcast that explored the connection between healthy child development and well-being. The event organizers noted that a large body of research and science points to the need to create nurturing environments where children can develop along a healthy trajectory physically, cognitively, emotionally, behaviorally, and socially. When adverse childhood experiences and trauma occur, development can be derailed. Webcast speakers provided several frameworks for understanding the domains and measurable indicators of well-being, and considered steps that can be taken to improve well-being and developmental functioning. Participants were encouraged to explore how policies, practices, assessments, and interventions in their work could be organized around a well-being framework to more effectively ensure a positive life course for children.