Greetings! Thank you for visiting the website of the APA’s Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice (Division 37). Our APA Division combines the collective energies of psychologists and allied professionals who are dedicated to supporting children and families. Our members accomplish this vital work by serving children and families directly, by conducting cutting-edge research to inform best practices, and/or by advocating for policies that benefit children and families at the local, state, and federal level.
Children and families continue to confront the evolving challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, which have unfolded against the backdrop of systemic inequities and racism—a historic syndemic. Abundant data has emerged on the physical, mental, and spiritual toll on families of these challenging times, and the Division is committed to supporting children and families individually and in the communities within which they live. The Division’s work is more important than ever: This era has magnified the need to advocate vigorously for long-delayed social justice, to encourage policies that support effective and safe public education and accessible child care, and to promote practices that ensure equity in employment, housing, and health care access—just a few of the critical issues confronting families every day. All of these issues highlight that the work and mission of Division 37 is broad and relevant to the daily lives of children and families everywhere.
If you are committed to promoting the welfare of children and families, including those seeking to prevent child maltreatment, Division 37 is your natural, professional home—please join us! Remember, APA membership is not required to join Division 37. Membership dues support a variety of worthy causes, from congressional policy briefings to grants and awards to the members doing the important work of advancing the Division’s mission. Find out more about membership.
If you are already a member, you have many ways to participate and contribute to the mission:
- Join our Section on Child Maltreatment, if you have an interest in research, policy, and practice in the area of child maltreatment.
- Join our Diverse Racial Ethnic and Multicultural Special Interest Group and check out our anti-racism resources.
- Attend our periodic Congressional briefings (see examples of prior congressional briefings on homelessness, school violence, human trafficking) or suggest a topic for a future briefing.
- Contact the editor to submit to our journal, Advances in Child and Family Policy and Practice.
- Write a topical essay to our Division newsletter, The Advocate or the Section newsletter, Section on Child Maltreatment Newsletter.
- Volunteer or nominate yourself for a position on our Executive Committee.
- Prepare a blog entry for the informational website we co-sponsor.
- Nominate a colleague for one of our many awards recognizing excellence in research, advocacy, citizenship, or practice.
