Clare Anderson

Clare Anderson is a Policy Fellow at Chapin Hall. She focuses on using research, policy and fiscal levers to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families and the systems serving them. Ms. Anderson currently works with state child welfare systems with title IV-E waivers and other large-scale systems change efforts to implement evidence-based screening, assessment, and interventions and better integrate the goals of children’s safety, permanency and well-being. Prior to coming to Chapin Hall, Ms. Anderson was the Deputy Commissioner at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF) in charge of federal programs addressing child abuse and neglect, runaway and homeless youth, domestic and intimate partner violence, and teen pregnancy. During her tenure at HHS, Ms. Anderson co-led, alongside Commissioner Bryan Samuels, the development and implementation of a well-being policy agenda. She was among the chief architects of the effort to address trauma, adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress in children known to the child welfare system through the focused use of research, policy and fiscal levers. Prior to joining ACYF, Ms. Anderson spent a decade at the Center for the Study of Social Policy helping states and local jurisdictions change policies and practices to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families. This work included foundation sponsored initiatives such as Family to Family and the Community Partnerships for Protecting Children, as well as federal court ordered oversight and monitoring of child welfare systems. Starting her career as a front-line social worker, Ms. Anderson has a deep appreciation of the challenges faced by families and systems working to make lasting changes so that all children can thrive. Ms. Anderson holds an M.S.W. from the University of Alabama.