Research, Initiatives & Policy Briefs

The California Center for Rural Policy promotes evidence-based policy and planning research of rural communities. Using community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods, we identify geographies of inequality to inform policies aimed at reducing disparities. Our research also takes a sociospatial approach, considering the health of individuals within biological, familial, social, geographic, economic, and policy contexts.

See CCRP’s research topics, and read published findings and recommendations.

Humboldt County Child Welfare Services - Compliance Monitoring

The California Center for Rural Policy at Cal Poly Humboldt is the designated independent compliance monitor for the Stipulated Supplemental Judgment issued in the People of the State of California v. Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services. 

CCRP monitors and assesses progress on corrective measures taken by Humboldt County Child Welfare Services to ensure compliance with provisions of the Judgment and applicable California State Law. For each 6-month monitoring period, CCRP will make available to the public their assessment of CWS's progress in enacting needed reforms aimed at improving service delivery and collaboration with local Tribes and other partner agencies and organizations.

Aspen Forum for Community Solutions - Regional Work

CCRP, in collaboration with the Humboldt Area Foundation (HAF)/Wild Rivers Community Foundation (WRCF) and local organizations, actively participates in the Aspen Institute Opportunity Youth Forum to strengthen connections in Del Norte and Tribal Lands (DNATL), Humboldt, and the North Coast region. As part of our ongoing efforts to amplify voices, we present two essential reports. The first report focuses on data enhancement, addressing the rate of disconnection from school and work in Del Norte and Tribal Lands for young people ages 16-24. The second report emphasizes postsecondary pathways available for Native American youth in our community.