The Research Department at Children's Research Triangle focuses on issues related to the impact of prenatal substance exposure and trauma on children and families. The clinical research team has been awarded multiple federally-funded research grants to conduct studies that have led to the development of proven strategies and models for communities and clinical facilities throughout the country and have had a significant positive impact on the well-being of children and their families. CRT has been an active member of multiple federally funded grant programs, frequently serving as a pilot site for innovative evaluation strategies.

The staff at CRT has written articles published in Pediatrics, The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Research in Developmental Disabilities, Child Welfare, and numerous other leading medical and psychological journals.