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Government Agencies & Portals
Use these sites to identify official policy statements of federal and state agencies, or to find documents and data on the implementation of government policies and programs.
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Catalog of U.S. Government PublicationsU.S. federal government database of official publications, from 1976 to present. Online documents are linked.
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govinfo (Advanced Search)Search software for federal documents (from the U.S. Government Publishing Office). Includes congressional bills, committee prints, hearings, reports, public and private laws, Statutes at Large and other congressional documents, as well as the History of Bills.
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USA.govThe official gateway to all current U.S. government-related information on the Web
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Congressional Research Service (CRS) ReportsThe Congressional Research Service (CRS), a federal legislative branch agency located within the Library of Congress, provides research reports on a broad range of national policy issues for Congress.
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Children's BureauAnother agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that works with state and local agencies to promote child welfare.
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Child Welfare Information GatewayThe premier site for federal government policy and programs relating to adoption and child abuse.
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Office of Disability Employment PolicyComprehensive disability resources from the federal government, with links to state and local agencies and organizations.
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U.S. Government Accountability Office: Reports & TestimoniesSearch or browse official reports from the "investigative arm of Congress" on social services and related issues.
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Access WashingtonGateway for all government agencies in Washington state
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Washington State Institute for Public PolicyA research agency authorized by the Washington state legislature to create programs and reports that address policy questions relating to child welfare, criminal justice, health and education.
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Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)The executive level agency that provides social support services to over one-third of Washington residents. Browse the Programs & Adminstrations areas for your topical interest, then work down through the menus.
Non-Governmental Organizations
Use these non-profit sites to locate informed commentary, news, and reports on social policies, plus advocacy for policy reforms.
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AARP Public Policy InstituteIndependent research, issue analysis and opinions on topics relating to older Americans from the organization formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons.
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Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)A public interest law firm started this progressive policy site focusing on "issues affecting low-income and disadvantaged persons".
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Center for the Study of Social PolicySearch or browse the publications database of this nonprofit policy research institute for analysis of child welfare, health, education, and community decision-making policies in the United States.
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Center on Budget and Policy Priorities"Working at the federal and state levels on fiscal policy and public programs that affect low- and moderate-income families and individuals"
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Food Research and Action Center"The leading national nonprofit organization working to improve public policies and public-private partnerships to eradicate hunger and undernutrition in the United States."
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National Association of Social Workers: Legislative IssuesThis leading professional organization tracks current activities of Congress and provides issue briefs based on their legislative agenda in the following areas: child welfare, civil rights, economic equity, education, health, loan forgiveness, and mental health.
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National Law Center on Homelessness and PovertyOffers news, reports, and "action alerts" on issues relating to housing, domestic violence, income, children & youth, human rights, civil rights, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
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PolicyArchiveA nonprofit storage and dissemination site for public policy documents from a wide variety of state, national, and international agencies and organizations. You can also register for free newsletter updates on the policy issues of your choice.
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Public AgendaPresents varying perspectives on controversial policy issues, supported primarily by survey research.
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Social Work Policy InstituteA nonprofit research institute affiliated with the National Association of Social Workers.
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The Urban Institute"Non-partisan economic and social policy research" on urban issues including crime, economy, education, health care, housing, welfare, and work.
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U.S. PIRGA federation of state-level Public Interest Research Groups that lobby for policy reform, with legislative updates and issue briefs on topics like consumer protection, health care, transportation, and budget policy.