We have developed a software-based tool to support a dynamic micro-simulation model of life-course development (to age 13) as an aid to policy makers assessing the impact of policies affecting children. We demonstrate how this approach bridges the research-policy gap by creating: (1) an easy transfer of evidence in a form that policymakers can use (for example, "What is the policy influence of X on Y?"); and (2) a "pull" system of knowledge transfer by which policy makers control the knowledge they access. The advantage of close collaboration with policy makers in the development and implementation phases is also discussed.