History and Mission

For more than 4 decades, the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) has worked to advance antiracist, human-centered policy and practices to support those who face the greatest barriers to well-being and self-determination in a society that is all too often racially, socially, and economically unjust. Our unwavering commitment to children, youth, and families, has resulted in enduring systems transformation that has impacted social sectors, policy makers, funders, children and youth, families, and communities.

Our Vision 

One day, all children and their families will thrive in a racially, socially, and economically just society. 

Our Mission 

To advance anti-racist and just policies and practices in family autonomy, economic justice, and health justice. 

Our Values

In 2022, through a special work group of CSSP staff, we refreshed our core organizational values, with the goal of ensuring that staff are fully aligned in our mission, vision, and organizational culture across all of our bodies of work. They are:

Integrity.

We work in an ethical, trustworthy, honest, respectful, and transparent manner; providing accurate information and informed recommendations and decisions; accepting responsibility for our actions and their consequences; and staying true to our mission in everything we say and do.

Excellence.

We challenge ourselves to meet high standards, such as clarity of communication, rigor, inclusiveness, and responsiveness to people and communities most impacted by our work. We understand that doing our work sustainably requires consistent learning, receptivity to challenges, and willingness to change. We promote a culture of humility, open-minded inquiry, and diversity of thought.

Belonging.

We celebrate the wholeness of individuals, honoring the variety and dignity of people’s intersectional identities—including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability and disability, immigration status, economic status, and more. We foster a workplace culture where staff can share openly and question respectfully, and their unique ideas, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are welcomed, heard, and respected.

Partnership.

We meaningfully engage with and build on strengths, resources, skills, and assets of individuals, families, and communities. We purposefully seek feedback and elevate the voices of the people most impacted by systems of oppression. We collaborate with colleagues, other organizations, and advocates—including youth, young adults, parents, and community leaders—in planning, implementing, and decision-making contexts.

Anti-Racism.

We recognize the long, devastating history of racism in our country and current policies, practices, and perspectives that perpetuate discrimination, disenfranchisement, and inequity based on an engrained culture of white supremacy. We work to identify, raise awareness of, challenge, and eradicate racist systems, structures, and attitudes in order to redistribute power and achieve racial equity. We encourage staff’s self-reflection of their own assumptions about diverse human differences—as well as the collective examination of organizational policies, practices, and interactions—that may interfere with the respectful perception, regard, and treatment of others.

Social Justice.

We identify and champion bold ideas to increase economic opportunities, decrease punitive and coercive policies and systems, and improve public services and community-based resources. We develop and recommend policies, programs, practices, and opportunities designed to create and sustain equity in all social systems so that all individuals, families, and communities can be affirmed, valued, and thrive.

Care.

We are committed to the well-being of our staff and invest in fostering their professional and personal growth. We are generous to each other as colleagues, and optimistic about the people with whom we work, and the places where we work.

Our History 

Established in 1978 as a policy center at the University of Chicago, CSSP’s primary goal was to influence public policy affecting poor children and families, elderly, and people with disabilities. 

Co-Founder Tom Joe was a staunch advocate for federal and state policies that address injustices that affect people’s lives. He envisioned CSSP as a place where policy analysis would reflect real-world knowledge of the intricacies of public sector governance and finance. 

Together with Co-Founder Harold Richman, former dean of the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago and founder of Chapin Hall Center for Children, they launched CSSP to develop and recommend innovative policy solutions. 

Their shared vision was rooted in impatience with the status quo but realism about implementation. Above all, their idea of what CSSP was—and continues to be today—is based on a solid understanding of what families and communities experience and need. 

Established in 1978 as a policy center at the University of Chicago, CSSP’s primary goal was to influence public policy affecting poor children and families, elderly, and people with disabilities. 

Co-Founder Tom Joe was a staunch advocate for federal and state policies that address injustices that affect people’s lives. He envisioned CSSP as a place where policy analysis would reflect real-world knowledge of the intricacies of public sector governance and finance. 

Together with Co-Founder Harold Richman, former dean of the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago and founder of Chapin Hall Center for Children, they launched CSSP to develop and recommend innovative policy solutions. 

Their shared vision was rooted in impatience with the status quo but realism about implementation. Above all, their idea of what CSSP was—and continues to be today—is based on a solid understanding of what families and communities experience and need. 

Our Theory of Change

When children and families have

  • the economic resources they need,
  • opportunities to support and affirm their health and well-being, and
  • agency and choice within the context of strong and supportive communities,

 

they will thrive in a racially, socially, and economically just society.

three multiracial kids sitting and laughing
A group of friends bringing in their hands togetherr in unity.

Our Theory of Action

When we work at the nexus of family autonomy, economic justice, and health justice to advance anti-racist policies and practices, then children and their families will thrive in a racially, socially, and economically just society.

To carry out this work, we

  • develop big ideas and advance them through practical policy solutions;
  • partner with young people and families to build capacity, identify solutions, and advance those solutions;
  • partner with public systems to ensure that program implementation is effective and equitable; and
  • generate a shared commitment to change by clearly communicating the ways that policies impact families.

Learn more about our vision for the future.