A professional organization dedicated to translating scientific knowledge from the field of prevention science into effective and sustainable practices, systems and policies.
WEBINAR RECORDING & RESOURCES
Federal Research Investments in Whole Child Health and Wellbeing
On June 24, 2026, the Decade of the Child Committee, an initiative of NPSC and CAHMI, brought together leaders from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and leading child development, health, and wellbeing experts to overview federal research investments that have generated a wealth of knowledge and best practices shown to improve child outcomes. Speakers emphasized the critical need to increase federal investments in a pragmatic program of research that more readily translates knowledge into better prevention, stronger communities, more effective public policy, and improved lifelong outcomes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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WEBINAR OVERVIEW
This webinar explored the critical role of federal research investments in advancing a whole child approach to health and wellbeing. Throughout the day, leaders from the National Institutes of Health and nationally recognized child development and wellbeing experts examined how decades of federally supported research have transformed our understanding of child development, brain health, resilience, mental health, learning, and the biological, environmental, family, and community influences that shape lifelong health and wellbeing. Speakers demonstrated how research across multiple NIH Institutes contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of children's health—one that recognizes the interconnected roles of biology, relationships, education, communities, and the environments in which children grow. Presentations highlighted the importance of prevention, cross-sector collaboration, implementation science, and translating scientific discoveries into evidence-based policies, programs, and practices that improve outcomes across the lifespan. The webinar also underscored why sustained federal investment in research is essential for accelerating scientific innovation, strengthening collaboration across disciplines and sectors, addressing disparities, and ensuring that scientific discoveries continue to inform the policies, programs, and practices that improve the health and wellbeing of children, families, and communities.
WATCH THE RECORDING
JUMP TO KEY MOMENTS
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PRESENTATION SLIDES & MATERIALS
Access slides, handouts, and additional materials shared by our speakers.
Please check back periodically. Speaker resources and websites & organizations will continue to evolve. As additional recommendations are received, these directories will be updated to reflect the growing body of resources supporting whole child health and wellbeing.
Know of a resource that should be included?
CONTINUE EXPLORING
Voices from the Webinar
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Participants from research, healthcare, education, public health, government, and community organizations shared their perspectives throughout the day. Here are a few reflections that captured the spirit of the conversation.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES
The biggest obstacles to enhancing child wellbeing lie in ensuring that families' basic needs are consistently met. Without a secure, supportive home environment, even the best educational and health interventions struggle to produce lasting outcomes.
TURNING RESEARCH INTO ACTION
No one said we don't have enough information about how to support child flourishing. The emphasis was on better using what we already know—and making the investments needed across research, advocacy, practice, and policy.
LOOKING AHEAD
If our efforts are successful, we will see dramatic improvements in child flourishing, school readiness, family resilience, and community-based systems of care.
Thank you to our sponsors
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