Center for State Policy & Leadership

The Center for State Policy & Leadership's mission is carried out through research that informs public decisions and understanding; internships, training programs, and applied problem solving that strengthen public leadership; and journalism that educates and engages citizens in public affairs. 

Child Protection Training Academy

The Child Protection Training Academy on the UIS campus is the country's first statewide simulation training project that provides a child protection training laboratory for frontline professionals and students. University faculty have been working with the Department of Children and Family Services, Illinois Court-Appointed Special Advocates, law enforcement, domestic violence advocates, and other frontline professionals to develop new and innovative training curricula that utilize a realistic environment. 

Institute for Legal, Legislative, & Policy Studies

Through public policy research and development, program evaluation and design, and the education and training of government and nonprofit employees and citizens, the Institute for Legal, Legislative, & Policy Studies seeks to bring new information to bear on public problems. Institute projects are independently undertaken and funded on a grant or contract basis through public and private sector support.

Through its faculty, staff, and outside consultants, the Institute offers skills in social science research, policy analysis, evaluation, curriculum design and implementation, conference planning and execution, advocacy development, and authoring publications.