Child protection is one of the fastest growing services sectors in Canada, yet we know surprisingly little about the effectiveness of services for abused and neglected children. This article examines emerging knowledge mobilization models designed to support the more systematic use of research in social services. We start by discussing the limits of traditional knowledge dissemination models. We then consider some of the research that has been done on the barriers and facilitators of research utilization in health, education and social services. Finally, we present a knowledge mobilization model that is being pilot tested and evaluated in a child welfare agency in Quebec and describe the local processes used to refine six outcome indicators (recurrence of maltreatment ; school delay ; placement rate ; moves in care ; time in care ; and court involvement) and conclude by presenting an example of one of the selected indicators.