About Div. 37

Mission Statement

The Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice (Div. 37 of the American Psychological Association; formerly Div. 37: Child, Youth and Family Services) is committed to the application of psychological knowledge to advocacy, social justice, service delivery and public policies affecting children, youth and families in a diverse and inclusive society. The society advances research, education, training and practice through a multidisciplinary and culturally informed perspective. The society is interested in supporting culturally informed, evidence-based practice that promotes health equity with underserved and vulnerable populations.

Special Topics

• Children’s mental health and mental health services
• Systems of care
• Health disparities and inequalities
• Physical punishment of children
• Promoting positive parenting practices
• Divorce and custody
• Child abuse prevention
• Pediatric AIDS
• Drug-exposed infants
• Homelessness

Publications

• Advances in Child and Family Policy and Practice
• The Advocate

Membership

Students and professionals in related fields are encouraged to join Div. 37.

Affiliations

• Consortium for Science-Based Information on Children, Youth and Families
• National Prevention Science Coalition
• National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine Forum on Promoting Children’s Cognitive, Affective and Behavioral Health (C-CAB)
• Coalition for Unleashing the Power of Prevention (PDF, 166KB)