ABSTRACT
Why is social policy so seldom based on what we know from research? The goal of this chapter is to provide useful principles and approaches to increase the likelihood that research will result in positive policy implementation. We recognize that many researchers do not aim to influence policy; the rewards in the world of research do not generally require, and may even discourage, this orientation. But there are many researchers, especially those focused on youth, who would like to improve the lives of young people; doing so typically requires structural policy change. This chapter is directed at those researchers who are interested in influencing policy to achieve positive change among youth.
