Research, Evaluation & CQI
We are committed to transforming systems through high-impact research, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement (CQI). Our work is grounded in implementation science and a deep commitment to generating actionable knowledge that shapes policy, improves practice, and empowers communities. Our experts work collaboratively with federal, state, and local agencies to conduct translational research that has immediate impact for our partners, and produces evidence to inform the broader field. We support the development and use of robust data systems and research methods that inform service delivery, improve outcomes, and enable real-time decision-making.
Given our national reach providing data-driven technical assistance and implementation support to a variety of states and organizations, our researchers and evaluation experts have access to data across multiple real-world implementation efforts. This data enables us to answer compelling questions that further our understanding of best practices for delivering high quality services to young people and families. Our goal is to use data and evidence to design, implement, and sustain effective solutions for child- and family- serving systems.
Highlighted Resources
Our 2025 Youth and Family Behavioral Health Research Summit focused on critical research and policy questions. Read the report & learn more.
We are hiring! The Sheila A. Pires Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is for an early-career scholar who is passionate about child, youth, and family behavioral health policy and systems change.
Our research team play a key role in our systems design work. Learn more.
Fidelity & Quality Monitoring
Watch an overview of how we leverage research partnerships to establish continuous quality improvement (CQI) systems. This webinar, presented by SAMHSA's CCBHC-E National Training and Technical Assistance Center in partnership with Innovations Institute, MPHI, and Bowling Business Strategies, provides a foundation and tips on setting up CQI systems and explores how teams employ CQI in system reform efforts.
Learn about our systems design work.
Our Approach
Our unique approach integrates rigorous scientific inquiry with real-world, practical application. We partner with public systems to create the infrastructure necessary for sustainable change. Our work is built on a set of core principles that ensure we deliver high-quality, timely, and actionable results. We believe that how we work is as important as what we do.
Our process is:
Collaborative & Informed by Lived Experience
We engage with stakeholders, state agencies, and local communities to ensure our work is guided by an understanding of system strengths and community needs.
Implementation-Oriented & Innovative
We use real-world frameworks to scale evidence-based practices, applying cutting-edge methods and technologies to ensure interventions are effective and sustainable.
Rigorous & Data-Driven
From dashboards to decision support tools, we help stakeholders use data to learn and improve, ensuring our methods are both scientifically sound and practically relevant.
Our Expertise
Our research faculty and staff compile and analyze data, guide systems and programs, and provide technical assistance in our efforts to improve outcomes for children and their families.
Our expertise includes:
Systems & Program Evaluation
Conducting complex, multi-site evaluations of large-scale system reform initiatives. We use mixed-methods, quasi-experimental designs, and implementation frameworks to measure effectiveness and sustainability.
Continuous Quality Improvement
Developing and implementing robust CQI processes allow systems to use data on an ongoing basis to monitor performance, identify barriers, and make timely course corrections, fostering a culture of collaborative learning.
Translational Research & Policy Analysis
Serving as the essential conduit between academic research and public policy. We synthesize evidence, translate findings into clear recommendations, and analyze complex Medicaid, federal, and state financing structures to recommend sustainable funding models that support comprehensive Systems of Care (SOC) and evidence-based services.
Data Strategy & Capacity Building
Using large-scale administrative data and integrating systems to turn information into insight. We build our partner’s skills in performance management, logic modeling, and data utilization, and develop clear data visualizations and dashboards for lasting impact and informed decision-making.
Current & Recent Projects
Our research and evaluation projects span local, state, and national levels. From improving outcomes for children in foster care to evaluating integrated behavioral health models, our work helps systems evolve and communities thrive.
Youth/Family Behavioral Health Research Summit
We convened leading researchers and policy experts to establish a national policy research agenda for youth and family behavioral health.
Fidelity Assessment in Systems of Care
Supporting states in measuring the implementation of evidence-based practices within comprehensive Systems of Care.
Care Pathways Analysis
Conducting a holistic system assessment to inform a more efficient and effective system of care structure for children and youth.
Integrated Behavioral Health in Pediatrics
Evaluating outcomes and the effectiveness of service integration for youth mental health in primary care settings.
Building Strong Foundations Evaluation (SAMHSA Grant)
Serving as the evaluation lead for a project expanding and sustaining early childhood mental health services.
Expansive Workforce Development
Researching and promoting career pathways that honor the many communities we serve and strengthen the behavioral health workforce.
Youth-Led System Transformation
Evaluating participatory models that center youth voice in reforming youth-serving systems.
Health Care Access for Youth in Child Welfare (MACPAC)
Partnering to inform national policy on meeting the healthcare needs of children and youth in foster care.
Implementation Tool Development
Designing practical, evidence-informed tools that support effective implementation, guide practice, and strengthen system capacity.
Service Array Assessments
Conducting comprehensive assessments to identify service gaps, analyze system alignment, and inform improvements in service delivery for children, youth, and their families.
Recent Articles & Publications
Journal articles
Candelaria, M. & Sweeney, K. (2025). Examining the Impact of Pyramid Model Implementation to Deepen Social and Emotional Supports for Enrolled Children Within Early Intervention. Healthcare, 13(5), 515.
Candelaria M.A., Tellerman K., Hutchison H., et al. The TREE Program: Promoting Positive Early Childhood Experiences During Well-Child Visits. Clinical Pediatrics. 2024;0(0).
Candelaria, M., Shdaimah, C., Afkinich, J. & Zhu, Y. (Stella) (2024). "Meeting the Challenge of COVID-19: Innovation and Adaptation in Services for Expectant and Parenting Youth in Baltimore," Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice: Vol. 10: Iss. 2, Article 3.
Bonadio, F. T., Evans, S. C., Cho, G. Y., Callahan, K. P., Chorpita, B. F., Research Network on Youth Mental Health & Weisz, J. R. (2022). Whose outcomes come out? Patterns of caregiver-and youth-reported outcomes based on caregiver-youth baseline discrepancies. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 51(4), 469-483.
Reports
Lawrence, S. E., Candelaria, M., Isiminger, A., Hutchison, H., Bhandari, S., Mukherjee, B., Buch, H., Polar, J. & Gould-Kabler, C. (2024). PA #23-205 Legislative Request: Final Report. Home visiting, childcare, family resource center, and healthcare assets within “high poverty, low opportunity” communities in Connecticut.pdf. Prepared by the University of Connecticut School of Social Work as part of the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Partnership.
Innovations Institute (2025). Research Priorities for Youth & Family Behavioral Health: Results from the July 10, 2025 Summit. Hartford, CT: Innovations Institute, University of Connecticut School of Social Work.
Bonadio, F. T., Colby, L., Strader, S. & Estep, K. (2025). Texas Youth Empowerment Services Waiver: FY24 Annual Report. Hartford, CT: Innovations Institute, University of Connecticut School of Social Work.
Pires, S. A., Harburger, D. S., Schober, M. & Bonadio, F. T. (2023). Report on child and youth behavioral health utilization and expenditures for children and youth in Hawai’i across child- and family-serving . Innovations Institute, University of Connecticut School of Social Work.
Greeno, E.J., & Hammond, P. (2025). An examination of PREPARE: A pilot of a child welfare family-centered reunification program. Hartford, CT: Innovations Institute, University of Connecticut School of Social Work.
Presentations
Bonadio, F. T., Olson, J. & Estep, K. (2025). NWI Webinar 57: Beyond Burnout: Transforming Organizations and Systems to Reduce Workforce Turnover. National Wraparound Initiative.
Bonadio, F. T. & Estep, K. (2024). NWI Webinar 55: Meeting Families Where They Are: Tiered Care Coordination Systems. National Wraparound Initiative.