This article discusses Applied Developmental Science as a model of research for child and youth care that can produce important policy-focused outcomes that contribute to the strengthening of civil society. The authors argue this model is uniquely able to contribute to these outcomes by combining the traditional rigour and mixed methods approaches of science and the strength and first hand knowledge of ‘community’. ADS is posited as a model of ‘outreach scholarship’ in which policy development and implementation, and program design and delivery are integral components of the research.