Announcements

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITION OPENINGS (Posted 1/27/12)
Community-centered Evaluations at Tufts
Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development
Department of Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning
Tufts University

Community-centered Evaluations at Tufts University (CEval) seeks two qualified PhD-level researchers for post-doctoral research positions. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional 2-3 years.  Our team of researchers is conducting several grant-funded evaluations of statewide home visiting programs; all studies are at various stages of design and implementation, and involve both quantitative and qualitative data. CEval is looking for thoughtful, collegial, and highly-motivated individuals interested in making a contribution to the fields of child and family research and policy. Based on the various needs of the projects, the candidate should be able to work successfully as a team member on some project goals and independently on others. We are seeking one post-doctoral fellow with primary expertise in quantitative analysis and one with primary expertise in qualitative analysis; candidates with strong backgrounds in mixed methods are also desirable. A full job description can be found here. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.  Please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, 1-2 publications (if you have), and the names and contact information of three references to: Jessica Goldberg, CEval Project Director, jessica.goldberg@tufts.edu.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:
The Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP) (posted 1/26/12)
The Institute for Research on Poverty (IRP) seeks to fund extramural research that will enhance our understanding of the relationship of family complexity to poverty and public policy, one of three integrated research themes shaping IRP’s research agenda as a DHHS/ASPE National Poverty Research Center. IRP anticipates funding up to five projects, with a maximum award of $20,000 each, to emerging scholars as defined in the attached RFP. Grantees will benefit from consultation with IRP senior affiliates, with each other, and­during a workshop at which grantees will present their draft paper­with other senior poverty scholars. Proposals should be e-mailed to IRP (rsnell@ssc.wisc.edu) before 5 p.m. CST on Thursday, March 1, 2012. For full details, visit: http://www.irp.wisc.edu/initiatives/outreach/announce/IRP-RFP-Family-Complexity.pdf .

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:
American Psychological Foundation's 2012 APF Kenneth B. and Mamie P. Clark Early Career Grant (posted 1/19/12)

Kenneth B. and Mamie P. Clark Early Career Grant supports research and demonstration activities that promote the understanding of the relationship between self-identity and academic achievement with an emphasis on children in grade levels K-8. This $10,000 grant will alternate every other year between an early career psychologist and a graduate student. The 2012 grant will support early career development.

Submission Process and Deadline:
Submit a completed application online at http://forms.apa.org/apf/grants/ by June 15, 2012.
Please be advised that APF does not provide feedback to applicants on their proposals.     
 
Questions about this program should be directed to Parie Kadir, Program Officer, at pkadir@apa.org.

POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW in SCHOOL-BASED INTERVENTION (posted 1/19/12)
    
The School of Social and Family Dynamics (http://ssfd.clas.asu.edu/ ) invites applications for a full-time 12-month Post-Doctoral Fellow in School-Based Intervention starting on or about July 1, 2012 (for two years with a third year possible). For this position, successful candidates must have a PhD or equivalent in child development, education, psychology, or related field by time of appointment. This position entails working with faculty and graduate students in on-going multi-disciplinary intervention projects ( http://sanfordharmonyprogram.org ) related to gender relationships at school. Responsibilities include developing and implementing school-based interventions, teacher training, evaluation and assessment, and writing curriculum and collaborative manuscripts. The successful candidate must have evidence of expertise in curricular development and/or prevention/intervention development with elementary school-aged children. Preference will be given to candidates who have expertise in gender development, peer        relationships, and/or curriculum development. Application deadline is February 10, 2012.  Electronically send a         letter of application that describes your research background and fit with this position, your curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation to Richard Fabes, Director at sanfordpostdoc@gmail.com. Background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply (https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/ ).

TWO POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITION OPENINGS (TUFTS UNIVERSITY), SPRING 2012

(Posted 1/19/12)
The Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University seeks two qualified Ph.D.-level researchers for a two post-doctoral research positions.  The initial appointments will be for one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional 1-2 years.  The positions involve work on several research projects pertinent to the longitudinal study of positive youth development.  The projects are at various stages of design and implementation and involve both quantitative and qualitative developmental data. The Institute needs two highly-motivated individuals able to work efficiently and productively in a fast-paced, multifaceted research environment.  Based on the various needs of the projects, the candidates should be able to work successfully as a team member on some project goals and independently on others.  Flexibility in work hours and availability for travel is essential. The individuals will play a large role in the design and implementation of all aspects of several new studies of adolescents and young adults.   This work will involve design, organization, and maintenance of cohort sequential longitudinal data sets.   Although we are seeking one postdoctoral fellow with expertise in quantitative analysis and one with primary expertise in qualitative research, due to the presence of both quantitative and qualitative aspects of all studies, candidates with backgrounds in mixed methods are desirable. More information is available at: http://ase.tufts.edu/iaryd/  
                                   
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.  Please send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, 2-3 publications, and the names and contact information of three references to:

Heidi Johnson, Managing Director
Tufts University, Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development
301 Lincoln-Filene
Medford MA 02155
heidi.johnson@tufts.edu                    

5th NATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE ON CHILD AND FAMILY PROGRAMS AND POLICY (posted 1/19/12)
July 24-26, 2012
Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: JANUARY 15-MARCH 5, 2012
STUDENT COMPETITION: JANUARY 15-MARCH 5, 2012

Keynote Speakers: Dr. Dorothy Espelage, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Research & Practice of Bully Prevention: Past, Present, and Future Two Pre-Conference Workshops: Using Your Research to Influence Policy (Dr. Martha Zaslow, Society for Research on Child Development) and Building and Sustaining Relationships for Community-Based Research Partnerships (Dr. Joanne Lynn Sobeck, Wayne State University)

Please visit our website for more information: www.nrccfpp.org

DISSERTATION GRANT (posted 1/12/12)
The Section on Child Maltreatment (Section 1 of Division 37, APA) announces its 2012 annual dissertation grant.
A $400 prize will be awarded to one successful graduate student applicant to assist with expenses in conducting
dissertation research on the topic of child maltreatment. Applicants are requested to submit an electronic copy of the following: 1) A letter of interest, indicating how the applicant would use the award funds toward the completion of the
dissertation research; 2) A 100 word abstract; and 3) A five-page proposal summarizing the research to be conducted. Please submit applications by February 15, 2012 to:
Cindy Miller-Perrin, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Pepperdine University
Social Science Division
Malibu, CA 90263
cindy.perrin@pepperdine.edu

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE POSITION, HEALTH, EMOTION, & BEHAVIOR LABORATORY, Yale University (posted 1/6/12)

The Health, Emotion, and Behavior Laboratory (HEB Lab) at Yale University is pleased to announce an open position at the postdoctoral level, available immediately.  Individuals who have a Ph.D. in special education, education, developmental psychology, or a related field are encouraged to apply. Ideal applicants will have experience in special education, strong writing, presentation, and communication skills, exceptional project management and leadership abilities, and competence in qualitative methods such as content analysis and coding observations.
 
The postdoctoral associate will be the Project Director of the Yale RELATE Project (PI: Dr. Susan Rivers), which aims to develop an observational tool to assess the quality of teacher-student interactions within the context of educating students with special learning needs. Using a mixed methods approach, the research team will conduct a series of interviews and focus groups of educators as well as systematic observations of classrooms using an ethnographic approach to test the feasibility of existing assessment frameworks. The primary objectives of the project are to (1) identify social processes in classrooms serving children with special education needs that are not captured by existing frameworks, and (2) build a coding rubric for assessing the quality of classroom social processes in classrooms serving students with special learning needs. The postdoctoral associate will direct all aspects of the research, participate in the classroom observations, oversee the coding of field notes and film footage, and contribute to the development of the assessment tool and its subsequent training protocols and manuals.  The observational tool developed as part of the Yale RELATE Project will add to the collection of assessments to understand social processes in classrooms. The overarching aims of the HEB Lab’s research program are to: (1) promote optimal learning, working, and living environments for children and adults using skill-based SEL tools and programs; and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of these tools and programs and the mechanisms by which they have their impact. Much of the scholarship on emotional intelligence was first developed at the HEB Lab as were curricula and training programs that integrate social and emotional learning (SEL) into school organizations. These programs, referred to collectively as The RULER Approach to SEL, are designed to improve educational environments as well as to enhance the content of learning. These efforts are achieved by working with the broader community of SEL practitioners, researchers, and advocates including the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), as well as with a rapidly growing network of participating educators, administrators, students, and parents.
 
Yale RELATE Project website:  http://www.yalerelateproject.com/
HEB Lab website: http://heblab.research.yale.edu/heblab-yale/myweb.php?hls=10061
 
Interested applicants should submit via email a cover letter and CV, one or more writing samples, and a minimum of two letters of reference to: Nicole Elbertson at nicole.elbertson@yale.edu < mailto:nicole.elbertson@yale.edu> . Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Please write, “Postdoctoral Application” in the subject line of your email.

CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWSHIP (posted 1/6/12) Application Deadline: March 20, 2012; Program Dates: August 30, 2012 - May 9, 2014

Mission
The CBCF Congressional Fellows Program was created in 1976 in order to increase the number of African Americans working as professional staff in the U.S. Congress. The Congressional Fellows Program offers public policy training to young professionals by providing them with an opportunity to work on Capitol Hill.

Program Description
CBCF Fellows work in congressional member and committee offices, attend leadership development seminars, complete a community service project and produce policy papers. Office assignments as full-time legislative aides run from September through August. During the office placement, Fellows gain invaluable experience as they assist in the development of legislative and public policy initiatives. Fellows work 40 hours per week on a range of staff assignments, including legislative analysis, responding to constituent mail, drafting talking points and speeches for members, and coordinating logistics and public testimony for Congressional hearings. Fellows also have educational enrichment opportunities through seminars on policy and politics. These seminars explore hot-button policy issues, the politics of policymaking and policy implementation, and evaluation of policy already implemented. Fellows are also exposed to the history and work of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and prepared to analyze the impact of policies on African Americans and other minority groups.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen or permit to work in the U.S.
• Graduate or professional degree completed prior to the start date fellowship program. In some instances, extensive and relevant work experience may be substituted for educational requirements
• Familiarity with the federal legislative process, Congress and the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and its members
• Demonstrated interest in public policy, and commitment to creating and implementing policy to improve the living conditions for underserved and underrepresented individuals

For more information: http://www.cbcfinc.org/fellowships/congressional-fellows-program.html

Send letters of recommendations and transcripts in one envelope to:
Congressional Fellows Program
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
1720 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Invites Applications for Dissertation Fellowships - deadline: February 3, 2012 (posted 11/3/11)
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation works to help high-achieving, low-income students ­ from middle school to graduate school ­ reach their full potential through education.
The foundation created its dissertation fellowship program in 2010 to advance its understanding of the factors and contexts that help low-income students overcome personal adversity and challenging socioeconomic circumstances to excel academically. The foundation plans to use this knowledge to design programs and interventions that help more low-income students identified as high-achieving in their primary and secondary school years to sustain their achievement levels through college and beyond.
The fellowships are intended to support doctoral students for work done after the successful defense of their dissertations. Although applicants must be candidates for a doctoral degree at a graduate school in the United States, they need not be U.S. citizens. Applications are encouraged from a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to education, sociology, economics, psychology, statistics, and psychometrics. The fellowship is a one-time award of up to $25,000, which may be used for a period of not less than nine months and up to eighteen months. Four fellowships will be awarded. MORE INFO

Frank H.T. Rhodes Post-doctoral Fellowship (posted 10/19/11)
The Cornell Population Center (CPC) invites applicants for the Frank H.T. Rhodes Post-doctoral Fellowship. The start date for the position will be August 15, 2012, and will be funded for 2 years, subject to a satisfactory first-year evaluation. Selection will be based on scholarly potential, ability to work in multi-disciplinary settings, and the support of a faculty mentor and CPC affiliate at Cornell who will work closely with the post-doctoral associate. Preference will be given to fellows with research interests in areas broadly related to the CPC's three main foci: families & children, health behaviors & disparities, or poverty/inequality. Screening of applications begins February 1, 2012, and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in economics, sociology, public health, public policy, or another related social science discipline by August 15, 2012. Applications must include: (a) letter of application, (b) curriculum vita, (c) a statement proposing both an individual research project and how the candidate will engage with a CPC faculty affiliate's on-going research, (d) examples of written work, (e) a letter from a CPC faculty affiliate agreeing to mentor the candidate, and (d) three letters of recommendation. These materials must be submitted online. Once you reach this website, please click on Faculty and Non-Faculty Instruction, Research & Extension Positions and search by Job #16174. For questions, please contact Erin Oates (eo73@cornell.edu).

U.S. Department of Labor Seeking Applications for 2012 Scholars Program – due 11/15/11 (posted 10/5/11)
On behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor,  MDRC is pleased to announce a competition to provide research support for one highly qualified scholar beginning in January 2012. The candidate must have completed doctoral training in a field such as economics, sociology, public policy and administration, psychology, education, or related field. The funding will be in the range of $50,000-60,000. The subject areas of interest to the Department’s policymaking include (but are not limited to): worker and work-place safety family-work balance issues employer-provided health and pension plans effects of enforcement on employers’ compliance with laws and regulations child labor and workers’ rights around the world the changing status of women in the workforce issues in labor-management relations ways to enhance the return of veterans to the civilian workforce strategies to remove barriers for people with disabilities in the workplace pension behavior and retirement decisions employment and training unemployment and its effects on individuals, families, and communities factors that affect entry into and exit out of employment and attachment to the labor force. More info

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award - NICHD Postdoctoral Traineeship (posted 9/19/11)
The Population Research Center (PRC) at The University of Texas at Austin will have two openings for NICHD-funded postdoctoral positions starting September 1, 2012. These positions are for one year, but are potentially renewable for a second year. The PRC is an interdisciplinary research and training unit of the University of Texas at Austin (UT) that provides infrastructure support services and project development support for a very productive, interdisciplinary group of faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduate students at UT. Most of the research is concentrated in four overlapping and reinforcing thematic areas: Health disparities, Educational Inequality & Opportunity, Partnership, Parenting, & Human Development, and Work and Stratification. As part of a research unit with a strong culture of collaboration, postdocs are expected to spend about half of their time working independently and about half of their time working together with research associates. We strongly encourage potential applicants to contact research associates to discuss collective interests prior to submitting an application. In addition, postdocs are expected to regularly attend the weekly PRC brownbag, present at least once at the brownbag during their period of support, and submit research for presentation at the Population Association (PAA) meetings. Postdoctoral fellows must have a Ph.D. in sociology, demography, public health, family studies or a related social science discipline and be citizens, or Permanent Residents, of the United States at the time of appointment. Screening of applications will begin on January 28, 2012 and will continue until the positions are filled. Send letter of interest with information about research interests and plans, anticipated postdoctoral faculty mentor, and future employment goals; CV; and examples of written work. In addition, please submit three letters of recommendation. All documents must be submitted electronically to: training@prc.utexas.edu. For more information about this position, contact the NICHD Program Coordinator: training@prc.utexas.edu More Info

Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation - Dissertation Fellowships for Scholars Focusing on Problems of Violence and Aggression (posted 8/1/11)
The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation (http://www.hfg.org/) provides dissertation fellowships to graduate students during the dissertation-writing year.  Questions that interest the foundation concern violence and aggression in relation to social change, intergroup conflict, war, terrorism, crime, and family relationships, among other subjects. Dissertations with no relevance to understanding human violence and aggression will not be supported. Ten or more dissertation fellowships are awarded each year to graduate students who would complete the writing of a dissertation within the award year. These fellowships of $20,000 each are designed to contribute to the support of the doctoral candidate to enable him or her to complete the thesis in a timely manner and are only appropriate for students approaching the final year of their Ph.D. work. This fellowship is not for support of doctoral research. Applicants may be citizens of any country and studying at colleges or universities in any country. Priority will also be given to areas and methodologies not receiving adequate attention and support from other funding sources. These grants are made to Ph.D. candidates who are entering the dissertation stage of graduate school. Usually, this means that fieldwork or other research is complete and writing has begun. If analysis and writing are not far enough along for an applicant to be confident that he will complete the dissertation within the year, he should not apply, as the application will not be competitive with those that comply with this timetable. In some disciplines, particularly experimental fields, research and writing can reasonably be expected to be completed within the same year, and in those cases it is appropriate to apply. Applications for dissertation fellowships must be received by February 1. Applications are reviewed during the spring term and final decisions are made by the Board of Directors at its meeting in June. Awards ordinarily commence on September 1, but other starting dates (after July 1) may be requested if the nature of the project makes this appropriate. Recipients of the dissertation fellowship must submit a copy of the dissertation, approved and accepted by their institution, within six months after the end of the award year. Any papers, books, articles, or other publications based on the research should also be sent to the foundation. More info

Employment Opportunities

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (posted 2/1/12)
The Penn State Clearinghouse on Military Family Readiness (Clearinghouse) is a partnership among Penn State, the Department of Defense, and the United States Department of Agriculture. The Clearinghouse mission is to promote and support the dissemination and use of evidence-based programs and practices designed to enhance the health and well-being of military families. The Clearinghouse also builds the capacity of professionals working with military families to implement evidence-based programs and practices. The Clearinghouse is currently seeking a Research Assistant. Responsibilities include: developing educational materials; conducting reviews of literature; developing briefing reports, papers, and conference presentations; assisting with outreach efforts on issues related to military families; developing interactive learning tools for practitioners using the Clearinghouse; other tasks as needed.
Preferred Qualifications: requires a minimum of a Masters in Human Development; Family Studies; Psychology; Family Sociology, Prevention Science; or other related discipline; familiarity with with project management and community-based research; strong writing and oral communication skills; excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; must have the ability to read, interpret, and synthesize empirical research from various social science fields; must work efficiently in both independent and collaborative situations, being a team player is an essential part of the job; preference will be given to individuals that have participated in research as denoted by publications, conference presentations, grants, and other scholarly activities.

This is a fixed-term position with full University benefits including tuition discount for dependents. This project is grant-funded, with excellent possibility for annual renewal. To apply send vitae, cover letter, and salary history via email to Sandee Kyler, Program Director, at sjw135@psu.edu. Please use “Research Assistant Vacancy” as the subject line of the email. Materials accepted until position is filled.

EVALUATION SCIENTIST (2 positions available) (posted 2/1/12)
The Penn State Clearinghouse on Military Family Readiness (Clearinghouse) is a partnership among Penn State, the Department of Defense, and the United States Department of Agriculture. The Clearinghouse’s mission is to promote and support the dissemination and use of evidence-based programs and practices designed to enhance the health and well-being of military families. The Clearinghouse also builds the capacity of professionals working with military families to implement evidence-based programs and practices. The Clearinghouse is currently seeking two Evaluation Scientists. Responsibilities include: planning, developing coordinating, and conducting process and outcome evaluations; collecting, analyzing, interpreting quantitative and qualitative data; developing briefing reports, papers, and conference presentations; reporting and presenting findings to Clearinghouse management, Department of Defense, and other stakeholders including policymakers, faculty, and technical audiences; collaborating with Clearinghouse members to develop proposals for new projects; other tasks as needed. Preferred Qualifications: minimum of a Masters (doctorate strongly preferred) in Human Development; Family Studies; Psychology; Prevention Science; or other related discipline; strong data analytic skills; knowledge of process and program evaluation, performance measurement and qualitative and quantitative research methodologies; knowledge of survey instrument and protocol design; experience in conducting site visits, interviews, and focus groups; experience with SPSS, SAS, Stata, and Excel; preference will be given to individuals who have experience with evidence-based children, youth, and family prevention and intervention programs and practices; experience with evaluability assessments; knowledge of military culture, military families, and military background.

RESEARCHER - CHAPIN HALL (posted 2/1/12)
Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago is seeking an individual to assist with managing an evaluation of the Fussy Baby Network, a 4-year study of an enhancement to selected Healthy Families Illinois home visiting programs as a child abuse prevention strategy. Using an infant mental health approach, the FBN intervention seeks to increase parent’s competence and confidence in meeting their baby’s needs by helping them regulate their feelings of distress a by helping promote a more positive view of their infant, new ways to understand and help their baby, and feeling that the situation is more manageable and they can help. The larger outcome is decreased risk for abuse and increased infant/family well-being. Home visitors and their supervisors at selected sites will be trained and supported in using the core processes when working with families who present with concerns related to crying/sleeping/feeding/temperament for their infants under the age of 12 months. The Researcher who fills the half-time position will manage the implementation of the study, including overseeing, and at times performing, data collection and management, including the development of data collection instruments; data cleaning and analysis; and writing study results.  This individual will supervise research assistants and contribute to the development of study design, data collection materials, and the Institutional Review Board application. Chapin Hall is an independent policy research center whose mission is to build knowledge that improves policies and programs for children and youth, families, and their communities.  For more information about Chapin Hall, please see our website at www.chapinhall.org. Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. Click here for more information. If you are interested in applying, please apply on-line at: https://jobopportunities.uchicago.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/Welcome_css.jsp. Search for this posting using requisition number 089033.  Applications are accepted on-line only.

PROGRAM ASSOCIATE: DORIS DUKE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION (posted 1/27/12)
The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, a $1.6 billion grant-making foundation, is seeking an intelligent, talented and motivated Program Associate to support two of its key grant-making programs: the Child Abuse Prevention Program and the African Health Initiative. The Child Abuse Prevention Program (CAPP) funds efforts that assist, support and educate families before an act of child abuse or neglect occurs. The majority of grants support early intervention strategies that provide services and support to a subset of children who are at increased risk for abuse and neglect. CAPP also makes grants to support primary prevention strategies that reach a wide public audience with educational information. Central to the African Health Initiative (AHI) is the establishment of large-scale Population Health Implementation & Training (PHIT) Partnerships that link implementation research and training directly to healthcare delivery. In 2009, DDCF awarded four grants ranging from $8 million to $15 million each to support PHIT Partnerships working in Ghana, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia. Detailed information regarding CAPP, AHI and their grant making can be found on the foundation’s Web site: www.ddcf.org/Child-Abuse-Prevention/ and
www.ddcf.org/Medical-Research/Program-Strategies/African-Health-Research/African-Health-Initiative/

The Program Associate is a contributing member of a high-performing three-person team. The position includes administrative duties for both programs and substantive programmatic responsibilities for CAPP. As such, the position requires strong initiative, good judgment, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Candidates with training and experience in the fields of child abuse prevention, early childhood development or public health are encouraged to apply. A bachelor’s degree with at least two years of professional work experience as well as strong technology, Microsoft Office and Internet skills are required. A detailed job description can be found on our web-site: www.ddcf.org/About-Us/-/Employment-Opportunities. Send resume with cover letter to CAPPAssociate-hr@ddcf.org. Include your last name followed by “CAPP Associate” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until February 17, 2012.

RESEARCH MANAGER, Community Action Project (CAP) of Tulsa County, Tulsa, OK and Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University (posted 1/10/12)

We are seeking a Research Manager with training and expertise in qualitative (interview and focus group) and quantitative (computer-assisted survey) data collection to support the federally-funded CAP Family Life Study based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Research Manager will be employed by the Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) and will work in partnership with the Community Action Project (CAP) in Tulsa, OK. This position is based in Tulsa, OK. 

Candidates with a Masters or PhD degree in psychology, sociology, public policy, or human development and family science are strongly encouraged to apply.  Previous, relevant research experience and at least one research-based reference are required. Candidates with strong organizational and interpersonal skills as well as an ability and interest in working independently and collaboratively with a cross-site research team are highly valued. The position will be half time (20 hours per week; hours flexible) beginning February, 2012, with a salary commensurate with education and experience.  The Research Manager will work with Professor Lindsay Chase-Lansdale and her Dual-Generation Educational Research team, including a Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Coordinator, and several Research Assistants. The Research Manager will oversee and coordinate the data collection efforts of 2-3 part-time, masters-level Research Assistants in Tulsa, OK as well as collect survey, interview, and focus group data. The Research Manager will have the unique opportunity to participate in the development and design of a cutting-edge, longitudinal (five years), mixed-methods research study in partnership with a team of university research partners from Northwestern, Columbia, and Harvard and the University of Texas, Austin. The CareerAdvance® model under study has received national attention as the only sectoral workforce development program with the goal of improving outcomes simultaneously for both parents and children, as well as for its potential in helping break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer

If interested, please send a cover letter, CV and references to Research Coordinator Emily Ross at Emily-Ross@northwestern.edu. To learn more about Professor Chase-Lansdale and her research, please reference the IPR website: http://www.northwestern.edu/ipr/people/chase-lansdale.html

DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, The Social Compact, Inc. (posted 1/6/12)
The Social Compact, Inc. is a DC-based nonprofit organization launched in 1990 by a coalition of business leaders who came together to promote successful business investment in undervalued communities for the benefit of current residents. This is largely done through the Neighborhood Market DrillDown, a pioneering market analysis model built on innovative sources of dependable, business-oriented data that reveals the hidden strengths of traditionally undervalued communities.

The Director of Research will lead our small, dynamic research team. An ideal candidate will be an experienced researcher with strong quantitative and data management experience and a demonstrated commitment to economic justice issues. The Director of Research will develop, oversee and execute short and long-term research projects focusing urban economic development and policy solutions. The Director of Research works with Social Compact's Director to develop the organization's budget and actively participates in the organization's financial planning. Specific duties include: Develop and conceptualize the organization's research agenda Manage and expand Social Compact's large data warehouse Conduct data analysis, write and help design reports Present research and form partnerships with nonprofit, government and private partners Supervise research staff

QUALIFICATIONS: PhD or Masters in Economics, Geography, GIS, Sociology, Political Science, Public Health, Public Policy, Planning or other social science discipline.

EXPERIENCE: 5+ years experience in urban planning, economics, GIS, public policy, public heath or related field; with focus on topics such as food access, neighborhood economic development, financial service access, housing, poverty alleviation, retail attraction and retention, demography, small business development, etc. 3+ years experience in data analysis and data management 2+ years leading or managing research teams

SKILLS: Experience working with several of the following datasets: Large national datasets such as Census, American Community Survey, HMDA; Municipal datasets (parcel files, building permits, etc.); Business records from sources such as infoUSA or ACNeilson; Mortgage and foreclosure records; Qualitative and quantitative research design Database design and management; demonstrated proficiency in SQL; Demonstrated experience with SAS or similar statistical program; Working knowledge of GIS concepts and software; Experience making presentations

For more information and to apply: http://www.idealist.org/view/job/FTXPXZnK8Pw4/#

Endowed Chair/full professor, CEHD - (posted 12/1/11)
Ashland, Inc./Nystrand Chair in Early Childhood  Education and Director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Research on Early Childhood Issues and Initiatives; College of Education and Human Development, Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, University of Louisville - The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is seeking candidates for a position of endowed Chair/full professor. Applicant should be a senior scholar/researcher who is able to lead in conceptualizing, developing and implementing a systematic research program for studying the education and development of young children in education and community settings. Duties and Responsibilities: Tenured faculty members are expected to teach, conduct research and perform service activities within their field of study.  The Endowed Chair in Early Childhood Education is expected to teach and advise doctoral students; conduct and publish research and other scholarly work; secure grant funding; work with the University’s Early Learning Campus, other UofL faculty in units associated with early childhood education and development, local and regional schools, and community agencies; and collaborate with colleagues across the Commonwealth on policies and initiatives that advocate for the enhancement of early childhood education. Appointment: The Endowed Chair in Early Childhood Education will have a 12-month term of appointment. Beginning Date: July 1, 2012. Application Deadline and Procedures:  Applicants must apply online at http://www.louisville.edu/jobs and select posting #26334.  You will be asked to electronically submit your curriculum vitae and complete a self ID form on this site. MORE INFO

Vice President for Research Operations, Child Trends - (posted 12/1/11)
Child Trends is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research center that studies children at every stage of development and across all of the major domains of childhood and adolescence, as well as the family, community, cultural, and other contextual factors that influence their development, well-being, and life prospects. Its mission is to improve children’s lives by conducting high-quality, rigorous research and communicating research findings and insights to policy makers, practitioners, philanthropists, and others whose decisions affect children’s lives and future prospects. Child Trends seeks a Vice President for Research Operations to direct a research staff of approximately 60 professionals from a variety of disciplines.  He/she is responsible for ensuring the effective management, strategic growth, and quality of research at Child Trends.  This include direct supervision of approximately nine senior researchers who oversee large research programs across the organization.  It also entails maintaining and overseeing an appropriate research infrastructure, including processes for ensuring quality control, successful proposal development, data security, and IRB and other human subjects’ protections. Specific requirements include:  advanced degree or equivalent experience, 10+ years of management experience in a relevant field. Track record of effectively leading in an organization or agency (public or private) with a complex array of programs and the ability to leverage strengths across programs. Upload one document that includes your resume, cover letter, salary requirements, and three professional references. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE! Apply online

Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship - (posted 12/1/11)
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine/Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC); Science and Practice for Effective Children’s Services (SPECS)
In the context of a post-doctoral research fellowship in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine/Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC), we seek candidates for a program that specializes in translational research at the university and community (efficacy-effectiveness) interface. The program trains clinical-researchers in the skills necessary to design and conduct treatment dissemination/implementation trials in “real-world” settings. Fellows are encouraged to contribute to and/or manage clinical trials, develop treatment research grant applications, and disseminate products having scientific, practice, and policy implications. In all of these venues, opportunities are provided to work with research investigators and community leaders/practitioners on projects that integrate clinical assessments, extend treatment guidelines to real-world settings, and train/collaborate with professionals in multiple service sectors. We seek individuals with a Ph.D. in psychology (clinical/quantitative preferred) from an APA-accredited program with interests in addressing the efficacy-effectiveness continuum, potential for excellence in scholarship/academic research, and the ability to work creatively and collaboratively. A good grounding in CBT/parent training with children/adolescents and their families, community-based participatory research, and applied research in developmental psychopathology, as well as exposure to vulnerable and undeserved populations is encouraged. Candidates for this NIMH-funded, T-32 fellowship must be U.S. citizens. Please contact David J. Kolko (kolkodj@upmc.edu), Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Pediatrics.

Open Position(s) in the Standards and Review Office, Institute of Education Science - (posted 12/1/11)
The Standards and Review Office is responsible for two primary activities: the peer review of Institute reports, and the peer review process for the funding of Institute grant applications. The Standards and Review Office developed, implemented, and refined the peer review procedures beginning shortly after the enactment of ESRA. In January 2006, the National Board for Education Sciences formally approved Institute procedures for the peer review of reports and grant applications. The IES Standards and Review Office is seeking mid-career professionals in education-related fields to apply for an open position. Individuals with doctoral degrees or the equivalent and substantial professional experience ­ including experience publishing in scientific peer-reviewed journals and reviewing for such journals ­ are invited to apply. We are particularly interested in applicants with experience and expertise related to the design and analysis of experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation studies in education-related areas; substantive expertise in economics and/or education policy is also of particular interest. Other possible areas of expertise include (but are not limited to) statistical and research methodology, curriculum and instruction, education leadership, school reform, and special education. The available position is full-time, for an initial term not to exceed 3-years. Salaries are commensurate with experience and benefits provided are consistent with those afforded to permanent full-time Federal employees. For a more complete position announcement, including instructions on how to apply, click here

Senior Study Director (Job ID 4135BR), WESTAT, Rockville, MD - (posted 12/1/11)
WESTAT is one of the foremost contract research corporations in the United States. Since 1961, we have conducted surveys and provided statistical research and related services to the agencies of the U.S. Government and to a broad range of institutional and business clients. We are an employee-owned corporation with more than 2,000 research, technical, and administrative staff and a recognized history of technical and managerial excellence. Westat has an immediate opening for a senior researcher with substantial experience in child welfare and/or justice or criminology research to work on both large- and small-scale studies involving a range of program and policy contexts.  Responsibilities include working with investigators and study collaborators on the design, implementation, and analysis of a wide range of studies.  Work activities include proposal and report writing. The successful candidate will be proficient in designing and conducting studies and experienced with mixed method approaches. Additional requirements include having led the development of published manuscripts,  having demonstrated capabilities in managing large-scale research projects, and prior work with Federal clients.  A strong background in research and evaluation design and methods, excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, quantitative analytic skills, and the ability to handle multiple  tasks are essential. Qualified applicants must have a degree in the social sciences.  A Ph.D. plus 5-10 years of postdegree research experience or a master’s degree plus 12 or more years of experience is required. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background screening check. To apply, go to www.westat.com/jobs and enter 4135BR in the space provided.

Two Positions:  Program Manager and Director of Knowledge Development
Brazelton Touchpoints Center at Children's Hospital Boston (posted 11/28/11)
Brazelton Touchpoints Center at Children's Hospital Boston, National Center on Parent, Family and Community Engagement is in search of a Program Manager and a Director of Knowledge Development.  The Program Manager will be responsible for shaping and leading the National Center contribution to the Office of Head Start Integrated Service Team in support of efforts to achieve child and family outcomes at the grantee level.  The Director of Knowledge Development will oversee the development and implementation of the vision and strategy for knowledge management initiatives.  Both positions can be accessed HERE

ZERO TO THREE, Director of Program Operations (posted 11/28/11)
ZERO TO THREE seeks a Director of Program Operations to support the Director, EHS NRC by providing day-to-day program oversight of activities that include written product, webinars, webcasts and trainings. More Info

Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship: Science and Practice for Effective Children’s Services (SPECS) (posted 11/17/11)
In the context of a post-doctoral research fellowship in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine/Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC), we seek candidates for a program that specializes in translational research at the university and community (efficacy-effectiveness) interface. The program trains clinical-researchers in the skills necessary to design and conduct treatment dissemination/implementation trials in “real-world” settings. Our portfolio includes clinical trials and programs that draw upon the application of evidence based treatments for child/adolescent populations (e.g., behavior problems/ disorders, adolescent sexual offending, child physical abuse/family conflict/trauma) in community settings/systems that have become increasingly involved in the delivery of mental health services (e.g., pediatric primary care, juvenile justice, child welfare, community mental health). Some of our current effectiveness trials and dissemination/training efforts involve applications of an evidence-based intervention for families involved in verbal and physical aggression, including child physical abuse ( Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy). In addition, we are committed to promoting and evaluating the integration of collaborative, evidence based, mental health services for pediatric behavioral and emotional problems in primary-care, family medicine, and other healthcare programs, based largely on clinical trials conducted in our Services for Kids in Primary-care program. Fellows are encouraged to contribute to and/or manage clinical trials, develop treatment research grant applications, and disseminate products having scientific, practice, and policy implications. In all of these venues, opportunities are provided to work with research investigators and community leaders/practitioners on projects that integrate clinical assessments, extend treatment guidelines to real-world settings, and train/collaborate with professionals in multiple service sectors. We seek individuals with a Ph.D. in psychology (clinical/quantitative preferred) from an APA-accredited program with interests in addressing the efficacy-effectiveness continuum, potential for excellence in scholarship/academic research, and the ability to work creatively and collaboratively. A good grounding in CBT/parent training with children/adolescents and their families, community-based participatory research, and applied research in developmental psychopathology, as well as exposure to vulnerable and undeserved populations is encouraged. Candidates for this NIMH-funded, T-32 fellowship must be U.S. citizens. Fellows have an opportunity to interact with some of the country’s leading clinical treatment researchers in child/adolescent psychology and psychiatry, and adult psychiatry. There has been a high success rate among post-doctoral fellows who have sought external (federal) funding for research. WPIC is consistently ranked at or near the top of all federal grant recipients among university departments and departments of psychiatry based on a substantial portfolio that includes research and research training projects relevant to mental health disorders and behavioral treatments, NIH Career Development Awards (K Awards), and post-doctoral fellows. The department has a strong commitment to training, research, and clinical service. For preliminary discussions: Please contact David J. Kolko ( kolkodj@upmc.edu), Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Pediatrics.

Institute of Education Science (posted 11/17/11)
The Standards and Review Office is responsible for two primary activities: the peer review of Institute reports, and the peer review process for the funding of Institute grant applications. The Standards and Review Office developed, implemented, and refined the peer review procedures beginning shortly after the enactment of ESRA. In January 2006, the National Board for Education Sciences formally approved Institute procedures for the peer review of reports and grant applications. Open Position(s) in the Standards and Review Office: The IES Standards and Review Office is seeking mid-career professionals in education-related fields to apply for an open position. Individuals with doctoral degrees or the equivalent and substantial professional experience ­ including experience publishing in scientific peer-reviewed journals and reviewing for such journals ­ are invited to apply. We are particularly interested in applicants with experience and expertise related to the design and analysis of experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation studies in education-related areas; substantive expertise in economics and/or education policy is also of particular interest. Other possible areas of expertise include (but are not limited to) statistical and research methodology, curriculum and instruction, education leadership, school reform, and special education. The available position is full-time, for an initial term not to exceed 3-years. Salaries are commensurate with experience and benefits provided are consistent with those afforded to permanent full-time Federal employees. For a more complete position announcement, including instructions on how to apply, click here. http://ies.ed.gov/director/sro/pdf/sroletter2011.pdf

Assistant/Associate Faculty Position, Applied Developmental Psychology,
School of Education, University of Pittsburgh (posted 11/17/11)
The program in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) at the University of Pittsburgh is accepting
applications for a tenure-line faculty position at the assistant to associate level with a specialization in
professional work with children and youth in after-school and out-of-school programs. Successful applicants must have a doctorate in ADP or a related field, strong developmental and methodological credentials, and evidence of high quality teaching and research. Candidates with current grant funding or grant proposals under review are encouraged and preferred. For full consideration, submit (1) letter of application, (2) current vita, (3) research statement, (4) teaching statement with evidence of teaching effectiveness and (5) up to three publications. Electronic submissions are highly encouraged. Material can be uploaded to: http://www.education.pitt.edu/facultysearch/. If you are unable to upload your documents, please mail materials to: ADP Search, Office of the Dean, School of Education University of Pittsburgh, 5600 WWPH, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Please have three letters of recommendation either requested through the online system or emailed directly to edsearch@pitt.edu. The review process will begin on January 15, 2012, and continue until the positions are filled. Inquiries may be directed to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Stephen Bagnato, bagnatos@pitt.edu. MORE INFO

Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago (posted 10/16/11)
The University of Illinois at Chicago's Department of Psychology seeks to fill a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level, to begin August 2012. The applicant's teaching and research interests must align with one or more of the Department's five divisions: Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Community and Prevention Research, and Social/Personal Psychology. The successful candidate will have an established program of research in the area of social and emotional learning (SEL) and make a contribution to teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level.  Although area of SEL specialization is open, preference will be given to candidates who could contribute to teaching/research on personal, school, or community factors that promote the social, emotional, and academic learning of urban children and adolescents, and research methods and analysis techniques that facilitate the study of these issues. Candidates will need to complete the electronic application and submit a cover letter, CV, research statement, teaching statement, and the names and email addresses of three references to university HR via https://jobs.uic.edu. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2011, and will continue until the job is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to the search committee chair Professor Roger Weissberg (rpw@uic.edu). more info

Associate/Full Professor, Family and Child Studies, Montclair State University (posted 10/16/11)
Start Date:  September 1, 2012: The Department of Family and Child Studies is seeking an accomplished scholar for a tenure-track position in a vibrant department with a large undergraduate program, a new master’s degree program, and a Ph.D. program scheduled to begin fall 2013. Appointment includes teaching and advising students in a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in Family and Child Studies and participating in curriculum development.  Faculty members are expected to be active scholars, and to participate in departmental, college, and university committees and activities. This faculty member will play a key role in the upcoming Family Studies Ph.D. program. Applicants should have doctorate in Family and Child Studies or closely related area, a well-defined research agenda, strong record of scholarly publications, evidence of ongoing scholarly activities, and extensive teaching experience, particularly at the college level, required. Experience with doctoral students and Ph.D. level curriculum work strongly preferred.  Experience with undergraduate students and ability to contribute to the education of the department’s undergraduate students strongly preferred.  Desired areas of research and expertise include but are not limited to: gerontology, family policy, family relations, and Child Life Specialist. The department and the College of Education and Human Services are committed to student and faculty diversity and value the educational benefits that derive from such diversity. We are seeking candidates who demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in and with socially, culturally, and economically diverse communities; have a commitment to education for social justice, democratic practice, and critical thinking; and are interested in addressing issues of diversity in research, teaching, and curriculum development. To apply:  Send application letter, resume, and three letters of reference to Dr. Tamara Lucas, CEHS Associate Dean, Montclair State University, Box C316, V-F7, Montclair, NJ 07043. Please reference Vacancy # V-F7. Review begins immediately and continues until position is filled. More info

Director, National Center for Children in Poverty (posted 9/22/11)
The Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University seeks a Director for its National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP). The ideal candidate is a broadminded, politically savvy leader who possesses a combination of scholarly research abilities, policy advocacy expertise, and fund-raising success in the areas of health development of low-income children, as well as family economic security.  NCCP is the nation's leading public policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and wellbeing of America's low-income families and children. NCCP uses research to inform policy and practice with the goal of ensuring positive outcomes for the next generation and promotes family-oriented solutions at the state and national levels. NCCP has an annual budget of approximately $4.5 million, raised primarily from foundations and government agencies, augmented by endowment income. The Director will be expected to effectively manage these resources and to increase the available funding to improve the Center's financial stability and better enable it to successfully meet its core mission. The NCCP Director reports to the Chair of Mailman’s Department of Health Policy and Management, manages a staff of approximately 35, and directly supervises six senior managers. The successful candidate should have a distinguished record in most or all of the following areas: 1) development, implementation, and dissemination of original research; 2) program and policy analysis, development, and reform; 3) administration of major child/family programs; 4) design and execution of strategic communications programs; 5) evidence-based policy advocacy at the national, state, and/or local levels; 6) securing financial support for her/his projects and organizations. The successful candidate will be eligible to hold a faculty position at the Mailman School, ideally in the Department of Health Policy and Management. A doctorate or professional terminal degree is required. More info

internship - child and family policy consortium (posted 8/31/11)
The University-Based Child & Family Policy Consortium (CFPC) is an organized and intentional forum fostering scientific collaboration around child and family policy issues, cross-disciplinary undergraduate and graduate training, and effective translation between research, practice, and policy issues. The intern will be a resourceful "organizer" and able to enhance his or her professional expertise and experience to work with Consortium members who are national experts on a wide array of content issues and areas of current concern to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. Like Engagement Interest Group members, the intern will be committed to promoting the use of research in policy/practice. More Info

Graduate Study in Developmental Science and Public Policy at Georgetown University
Doctoral students concentrate either in Human Development and Public Policy or Lifespan Cognitive Neuroscience. Both concentrations lead to a Ph.D. in Psychology. A joint Ph.D. in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Public Policy is also offered in collaboration with the Georgetown Public Policy Institute. Students are exposed to (a) the theoretical, conceptual, and empirical work that defines developmental science, (b) instruction in policy development, analysis and evaluation, and (c) direct experience in applying scientific knowledge to policy issues through internships and other opportunities.  See http://psychology.georgetown.edu/graduate.

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Publications

CALL FOR PAPERS: Special Issue: Social and Emotional Learning in Early Education (posted 2/3/12)
Early Education and Development
Guest Editors: Susan E. Rivers & Marc A. Brackett

Background
The goal of this special issue is to explore more deeply the role of social and emotional learning (SEL) in the development of 3- to 6-year-olds and programming efforts in classroom settings. SEL involves the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills related to self- and social awareness, responsible decision making, self-management, and relationship management (Elias et al., 1997; Zins, Bloodworth, Weissberg, & Walberg, 2004). Over the last two decades, numerous programs have been developed to promote SEL among children. SEL programs are designed to complement existing school curricula by teaching the social and emotional skills that contribute to better social and emotional adjustment and higher academic achievement. A recent meta-analysis of 207 studies examining the effects of SEL programs revealed that students enrolled in such programs perform significantly better in school and on standardized tests compared to non-participating students (Durlak, Weissberg, Dymnicki, Taylor, & Schellinger, 2011). This special issue will explore research, practice, and policy implications for SEL during the early childhood years. Suggested topics include: Examinations of links between SEL and social and emotional development, cognitive development, and outcomes such as school readiness, social competence, and health; Unique challenges and strategies for quality implementation of SEL programs in early education; Methods for assessing SEL in early childhood and testing short- and longer-term impacts of SEL programs delivered in early education; Active ingredients of effective SEL programming in early education; Best practices for SEL professional development for teachers; Role of the family in promoting SEL; State-wide initiatives for addressing SEL in young children; Integration of SEL programming into existing early education curricula: Challenges and opportunities; Teacher practices and characteristics that promote SEL in young children; Role of teachers’ emotional competence/emotional intelligence in promoting the social and emotional development of young children. We invite both theoretical and empirical papers that draw on qualitative or quantitative data, as well as articles linking practice to policy. Submissions: Please submit a blinded manuscript at http://www.editorialmanager.com/eed/. In the cover letter please specify that your manuscript is being submitted for the Special Issue: Social and Emotional Learning in Early Education. Submissions will follow the journal’s regular blind review process. The guest editors and journal editor will make the final acceptance decisions. Manuscripts must strictly conform to the formatting and writing style requirements of the APA Publication Manual (6th edition). Accepted manuscripts that are not included in the special issue (due to space restrictions) will be published in a future issue of the journal. Inquiries regarding this special issue should be directed to Dr. Susan Rivers (susan.rivers@yale.edu < mailto:susan.rivers@yale.edu> ). Submission deadline: June 1, 2012. Publication of this special issue is scheduled for October 2013.

Call for Submissions
Journal of Pediatric Psychology:
Special Issue on Innovative Treatment and Prevention Programs for Pediatric Overweight and Obesity - deadline: October 1, 2012 (posted 11/17/11)
Guest Editors:  David M. Janicke, Ph.D. and Ric G. Steele, Ph.D.
Background: Despite significant clinical research directed at the problem, obesity remains a preeminent health problem in pediatric populations in the United States and abroad.  The most current epidemiological data indicate that upwards of 17% of children and adolescents are obese, and that more than 30% of children and adolescents are overweight (Ogden et al., 2010).  These aggregated data mask significant health disparities across medically underserved and racially or ethnically diverse groups.  Recent reviews of the literature (e.g., Kitzmann et al., 2010; Luttikhuis et al., 2009) indicate that behaviorally-based individual and family-based interventions can be efficacious, yet the literature continues to be plagued with barriers to the successful translation of efficacious studies into clinical practice.  Issues such as non- or incomplete treatment adherence, non-completion of therapy, poor maintenance of treatment effects, and unknown efficacy of interventions for medically underserved or culturally diverse populations limit the applicability of the current literature to cases most often seen in practice. Details: The aim of this special issue is to highlight innovative approaches to the treatment or prevention of pediatric overweight and obesity.  We anticipate that studies will focus on a range of topics, including, but not limited to: interventions that employ eHealth, mHealth, or telehealth technologies; intervention or prevention programs specifically designed for medically underserved or ethnically or culturally diverse samples; studies examining ecological systems-based intervention/prevention efforts such as school, or community based programs; empirical studies of policies that are designed to address obesity/overweight at the community or population level; and research examining the translation and dissemination of interventions previously demonstrated to be efficacious in clinical trials. A broad range of research methodologies will be considered for the special issue, including single case or small-n designs, randomized clinical trials, qualitative methodologies, and demonstration studies. Regardless of topic or methodology, a premium will be placed on the manuscript’s demonstration of innovation.   We expect manuscripts to highlight implications of the research for practitioners and/or policy makers. Papers should be prepared in compliance with JPP’s Instructions to Authors ( http://jpepsy.oxfordjournals.org/) and submitted through the ScholarOne Manuscript Central™ submission portal ( http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jpepsy).  Manuscripts will be peer reviewed. Papers that are not appropriate for inclusion in this special issue may be rerouted (with the authors’ knowledge and consent) for consideration for publication in JPP as regular papers.  Please indicate in the cover letter accompanying your manuscript that you would like to have the paper considered for the Special Issue on Innovative Treatment and Prevention Programs for Pediatric Overweight and Obesity. Please direct all inquiries to David M. Janicke at djanicke@phhp.ufl.edu or Ric G. Steele at rsteele@ku.edu.

The Future of Children begins a Blog.
Each year The Future of Children produces two journals, policy briefs, and other shorter products – all focusing on child policy issues.In its efforts to broaden its audience, The Future of Children has introduced a blog. (http://blogs.princeton.edu/futureofchildren/) In these posts, findings from the various volumes are highlighted – often linking the research and policy recommendations to current affairs. Please bookmark this page, pass on to friends and colleagues, and contribute your thoughts. As you know, to get the word out about blogs, it is very helpful to have as many people as possible send around the link. If you would consider sending this to any colleagues who might be interested in participating in this blog, The Future of Children would appreciate it.

WORK AND FAMILY
This issue of The Future of Children describes the challenges parents face in taking care of family responsibilities while also holding down a job and explores the implications of those challenges for child and family wellbeing.
As children grow and develop, parents are the hub in a system of care to meet their needs, a system that includes extended family, preschools, schools, health care providers, community organizations, and others, but in which parents play the lead role. Often these same working parents have additional care responsibilities for other family members—in particular, the elderly—and are, for them too, the hub around which other caregivers, services, and programs revolve. READ JOURNAL

The Future of Children is a collaboration of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and the Brookings Institution. For more information, please visit www.futureofchildren.org.  The Future of Children thanks the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation for providing generous support for this volume.

Context Matters in Child and Family Policy
By Kenneth A. Dodge, Duke University - The traditional model of translation from basic laboratory science to efficacy trials to effectiveness trials to community dissemination has flaws that arise from false assumptions that context changes little or matters little. One of the most important findings in developmental science is that context matters, but this fact is not sufficiently taken into account in many translation efforts. Studies reported in this special issue highlight both the potential of systematic interventions in parenting, peer relations, and social-cognitive skills training, and the problems that will be encountered in trying to bring these interventions to a community context. It is advocated that developmental scientists start from within the community context itself so that translation to policy is only a small step. It is also advocated that this research be conducted through rigorous community randomized controlled trials. Read More

Fragile Families
The Future of Children has released its latest publication, Fragile Families (Vol. 20, No. 2). Accompanying the journal is an Executive Summary and related Policy Brief. The swift rise in nonmarital childbearing in the United States over the past fifty years has given rise to a new family form: fragile families, defined as couples who are unmarried when their children are born. Compared with more traditional families, these fragile families face greater risks in terms both of family stability and of economic security—risks that can imperil child well-being. In this volume experts explore the ramifications of this new reality and fashion policy recommendations that will both reduce the number of children born into fragile families in the first place and ensure that children born into fragile families receive the support they need to grow into healthy, productive adults. To access the free electronic version of this journal and related products, please click here.

The Future of Children is a collaboration of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and the Brookings Institution. For more information, please visit www.futureofchildren.org.  The Future of Children thanks the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation for providing generous support for this volume.

Transition to Adulthood
The Future of Children has released its latest publication, Transition to Adulthood (Vol. 20, No. 1). Accompanying the journal is an Executive Summary and related Policy Brief. Today’s young adults take far longer to reach economic and social maturity than their contemporaries did five or six decades ago, taking longer to leave home, attain economic independence, marry, and form families of their own. In large part, this shift is attributable to the increased importance of higher education in today’s high-skilled workforce. Contributors to this volume examine some of the institutions that house and serve young adults—the family, higher education, the workplace, the community, and, for a group of especially vulnerable youth, the juvenile justice, foster care, and related systems. Authors assess the ability of each of these institutions to support young adults in their quest for economic independence, intimacy, and civic responsibility.

The Future of Children is a collaboration of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and the Brookings Institution. For more information, please visit www.futureofchildren.org.  The Future of Children thanks the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation for providing generous support for this volume.

Preventing Child Maltreatment
The Future of Children has released its latest publication, Preventing Child Maltreatment (Vol. 19, No. 2). Accompanying the journal is an executive summary and two related policy briefs. Maltreatment often has profound adverse effects on children’s health and development. Maltreated children are more likely than others to suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and engage in criminal activity. They may very well enter the child welfare system, a complex web of social and legal services whose purpose is to ensure children’s safety but which can be quite expensive and not always effective. In light of the toll that maltreatment takes on child well-being, as well as its high financial costs, this volume seeks to answer the vexing question of how to prevent child abuse and neglect from happening in the first place.  Contributors to this volume present the best available research on policies and programs designed to prevent child abuse and neglect.  They examine a gradual shift in the field of child maltreatment toward prevention and explore how insights into the risk factors for maltreatment can help target prevention efforts.  They assess whether programs such as community-wide interventions, parenting programs, home-visiting, drug and alcohol treatment, and school-based educational programs on sexual abuse, can prevent maltreatment. They also explore how the child protective system might take a more active role in prevention. Electronic copies of this volume are offered free of charge; please feel free to inform interested colleagues.  Authorization to photocopy articles is granted by The Future of Children. Reprinting is also allowed at no cost, so long as the journal article is properly given attribution.  If you would like to purchase a print copy, please contact us at foc@princeton.edu.

The Future of Children is a collaboration of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and the Brookings Institution. For more information, please visit www.futureofchildren.org.  The Future of Children thanks the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation for providing generous support for this volume.

Juvenile Justice
The Future of Children, produced by Princeton University and the Brookings Institution, has released its latest publication, Juvenile Justice (Vol.18, No.2). The volume examines juvenile justice policies and practices with the goal of promoting reforms that are based on solid evidence and acknowledge that adolescents differ from adults in ways that policy ought to take into account.  The volume concludes that the “get-tough” reforms implemented during the past two decades have been both unnecessarily costly and of questionable effectiveness, and offers alternative policies that have been proven effective and save taxpayer dollars.   

The Future of Children is a collaboration of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and the Brookings Institution. For more information, please visit www.futureofchildren.org.  The Future of Children thanks the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation for providing generous support for this volume.

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