There is a growing body of research on families, and on the numerous programs that seek to address family-related problems. Facilitate productive communication among state legislators, legislative policy staff, gubernatorial staff, state agency officials, and state agency policy staff, with program professionals, policy experts, and researchers from throughout the United States. Generate a family-centered approach to information, moving from a categorical program focus on the individual child or parent to one that evaluates the issue or problem and potential solutions within the context of the family. Assist policymakers and governing institutions to develop effective family-centered policy. The current range of issues includes violence, child maltreatment, health care reform, family preservation, foster care, poverty, literacy and the impact of welfare reform on family and child well-being.
Seminars are two hours in length.
The first portion of the seminar is devoted to presentations by a panel of recognized experts who discuss research findings and program experiences at the federal, state, and local levels, and review a range of policy options. Each seminar participant receives a packet of selected articles and research materials.