The National Council on Family Relations, founded in 1938, is the oldest multidisciplinary, nonpartisan professional organization focused solely on family research, practice and education.

Who are NCFR's members?

NCFR members are professionals dedicated to understanding and strengthening families. Our 3,400-plus members come from more than 35 countries and all 50 U.S. states, and include: researchers, demographers, marriage and family therapists, parent/family educators, university faculty, students, social workers, public health workers, extension specialists and faculty, ECFE teachers, clergy, counselors, K-12 teachers, and more.

NCFR's work

Scholarly Journals

NCFR publishes three international scholarly journals — Journal of Marriage and Family and Family Relations Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Studies and Journal of Family Theory & Review.We also produce other publications and products to support the work of family professionals.

Our Annual Conference

NCFR sponsors an international Annual Conference of juried cutting-edge research papers, methods, and practices including research updates for practitioners sessions, and presentation of best practices in the field. 

Promoting the Field of Family Life Education

NCFR established and administers the internationally recognized credential — the "Certified Family Life Educator" (CFLE). Approximately 125 college and university Family Science degree programs in the U.S. and Canada use NCFR Family Life Education curriculum standards as guidelines for their undergraduate and graduate students.

Fostering Dialogue Among Family Professionals

NCFR fosters dialogue through Internet interactions, state and regional affiliates, special interest "sections" within NCFR, focus groups, and via our NCFR Report magazine and the CFLE Network newsletter. 

Public Policy Education

NCFR researchers and educators interpret and disseminate information on families to inform legislators and decision-makers about the possible impact of policy of families.

NCFR is self-funded through membership dues, academic journal revenues, family life education certification fees, and educational program registration fees. NCFR also accepts donations from members and from the public.