How do family professionals find their career paths? Is it careful planning-or "luck?" What roles do mentors play? How can we combine a "family" career with our own family responsibilities? In this issue of NCFR Report, read how your colleagues have developed professionally-and how they've developed the profession.
According to writer Dolores Curran "healthy families are our greatest national resource." But healthy families don't just happen. That's where family life educators come in. Their purpose is to help individuals and families learn the skills they need at all stages of the life cycle. In this issue, we explore how family life educators are meeting the needs of people in a variety of communities and settings - from the pediatrician's office to the local area agency on aging.
If knowledge is power, then family scientists are powerful. Their research can shape public policy, inform the work of family-serving agencies, and allow practitioners to become more effective. But to do this, researchers must go beyond discovery to application and practice. In this issue, we explore how family scientists are using research data to create successful programs for children and families, help communities meet the needs of youth, and influence policymakers.
