Room to thrive.
A future where children, youth, and families can thrive in respectful, safe, and supportive environments shaped by thoughtful decisions.
ABOUT POLICYWISE
ALBERTA, CANADA / EST. 2003A future worth
working for.
Children, youth, and families deserve systems that help them thrive. That is the reason behind the research.
PEOPLE ARE THE STARTING POINT.
Better understanding opens
new possibilities.
THE REASON WE’RE HERE
Every decision
touches a life.
PolicyWise for Children & Families is a charitable organization based in Alberta. We connect research, data, and community knowledge with the decisions shaping people’s lives.
Our work supports the social sector, government, and researchers through collaborative consulting and an independent research program.
How we workEvidence with purpose.
To strengthen social policy and practice through evidence that supports the wellbeing of children, youth, families, and communities.
OUR STORY
2003A foundation built on connection.Rooted in Alberta.
Looking further.
Established in 2003, PolicyWise grew from Alberta’s recognition that research could better inform decisions about children and families.
The Child and Youth Data Lab connected information across health, education, justice, and social services to understand lives more fully.
That foundation expanded into evaluation, data platforms, and policy advice, with charitable objectives renewed to allow work beyond Canada.
PEOPLE BEHIND THE PURPOSE
Different expertise.
Shared direction.
Researchers, analysts, and collaborators bring different perspectives to the same task: making knowledge useful. Meet the people leading that work.
President & CEO
Kristine Williamson
Kristine leads strategy and operations, connecting government, academic, and social sector partners with evidence that supports children and families.
Director, Strategic Initiatives
Jody Wolfe
Jody brings strategic planning, evaluation, and business intelligence together to help non-profits strengthen how they use data and make decisions.
Director, Research
Dr. Jennifer Medlock
Jennifer has guided more than 30 PolicyWise research and evaluation projects exploring youth wellbeing, mental health, and community development.
Director, Business & Fund Development
Leslie Bergin
Leslie leads business development, fundraising, and communications, bringing experience across education, health care, and non-profit organizations.
THE WORK, IN PERSPECTIVE
A year of questions.
A record of progress.
Follow the work beyond a single project. PolicyWise’s annual reports bring its activities and organizational reporting into view.
2023–24
Explore the impact report Browse annual and financial reportsAnnual Impact Report
Published September 2024
Organizational history and purpose adapted from PolicyWise’s public profile.