Research Methodology Charter

Research mission and scope

Accountability For Our Children studies family court procedures, transparency frameworks, and legal systems affecting children. AFOC does not litigate, take positions on individual cases, or endorse legislative campaigns. AFOC publishes findings for public, professional, and policymaker audiences. Research questions are set by AFOC leadership; outputs are documented, source-attributed, and subject to internal review before release.

Source hierarchy

1. Primary statutes and case law (California Family Code, published decisions)
2. Court statistical and administrative data (Judicial Council, court annual reports)
3. Peer-reviewed academic literature in family law, child welfare, access to justice
4. Policy and research reports from established institutions (RAND, NCSC, ABA, state legal aid)
5. Investigative journalism in named publications (used cautiously, never as sole source)

Citation standards

Every quoted statement must be attributed to a specific, named, dated source. Statistics cite their producing institution. Sources are linked when available online. AFOC does not use anonymous quotes.

Editorial review process

All publications are reviewed by at least one editor other than the author before publication. Editors verify citations, fact-check claims, and assess methodology consistency. Drafts identified as having unresolved methodological questions are not published until those questions are resolved.

Publication version control

Substantive updates to published findings are issued as new versions with dated change logs. Errors are corrected via formal corrections appended to the original publication.

Corrections policy

Errors of fact are corrected within 7 business days of being identified. Corrections are appended to the original publication and noted in the change log. Substantive corrections also issue a published correction notice.

Independence statement

AFOC's research agenda is set by its leadership. Donors do not direct research questions or findings. Funders may not pre-review or condition support on findings. AFOC does not accept funding that includes outcome-based conditions.

Statement of non-advocacy

AFOC does not endorse candidates for office, take litigation positions on individual cases, or sponsor specific legislative campaigns. AFOC publishes research findings; readers and policymakers draw their own conclusions.

Questions: contact@giveafoc.org