What impact do early experiences have on learning, behavior and health? How can science impact policies and practices in early learning, family support, foster care, child abuse and neglect?

The Oregon Commission on Children and Families, Oregon Department of Human Services, and the Oregon Judicial Department partnered with Casey Family Programs to explore these questions at a forum held August 17, 2011, in Salem.

The forum engaged national and state experts in helping Oregon's leaders in exploring scientific research and policy opportunities. Speakers included:

• Jack P. Shonkoff, M.D., Director, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
• Philip A. Fisher, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at the Oregon Social Learning Center, and Science Director for the National Forum on Early Childhood Policy and Programs at Harvard University
• Brenda Jones Harden, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development, University of Maryland-College Park
• Jennifer Rodriguez, staff attorney at the Youth Law Center