Background

The Smoky Mountain Research Institute engages in research and evaluation of early childhood, family support, education, and other human service programs and practices with an emphasis on identification of what works best in terms of enhancing and promoting healthy child, parent, and family functioning. Smoky Mountain Research Institute takes the lessons learned from our sister organization—the Orelena Hawks Puckett Institute—and applies those lessons to our work with other programs and organizations. Our goal is to assist others to adopt practices informed by research and evaluation findings, and especially practices that build on the capabilities and strengths of children, parents and families, communities, and public and private organizations and programs.

The Smoky Mountain Research Institute is dedicated to the advancement of policies and practices that are respectful and sensitive to cultural, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversities.