Reconceptualizing the Domain and Boundaries of Family Life Education

Abstract

Many scholars have defined family life education (FLE), and some have differentiated it from other family-related fields. For example, Doherty (1995) provided a definition of the boundaries between FLE and family therapy; however, we believe those criteria can be improved. We explore the professions of family life education, family therapy, and family case management using the questions why, what, when, for whom, and how? After examining these questions for each role, we introduce the domains of family practice to differentiate among them. The approach defines FLE and encourages appropriate collaboration among the fields. Suggestions are made for using this model for Key Words: domains of family practice, family case management, family life education, family therapy, professional development.career exploration, reviewing job requirements to assess role consistency and clarity, and for determining the need for and appropriateness of referral and collaboration.

Is relationship and marriage education relevant and appropriate to child welfare?

“…Based on child welfare service's historical efforts to offer FLE-type programming (Barth et al, 2005;Lemon et al, 2005) and recent efforts to integrate RME into their services (Antle et al, 2009;Christensen et al, 2008;Sar et al, 2010), we propose that there may be more overlap of the services CWPs offer with family life education (FLE) than some suggest (Myers-Walls et al, 2011). CWPs are in a unique position to increase the stability, safety, and well-being of children by teaching principles and skills to individuals and couples that enhance knowledge of what constitutes a healthy versus unhealthy and potentially abusive relationship, strengthen current or future couple relationships, and empower individuals to safely exit unhealthy relationships.…”

Strengthening Families Through Volunteerism: Integrating Family Volunteerism and Family Life Education

“…This article aims to reignite the dialogue on volunteerism from the perspective of the family through a theoretical discussion and review of selected studies on the psychosocial benefits of family volunteerism at various stages throughout the lifespan. Family volunteerism could reinforce the purpose of family life education, which is to strengthen families by developing knowledge and skills (Myers-Walls, Ballard, Darling & Myers-Bowman, 2011). Although this review takes an educational perspective, some of the suggested activities may be useful for counselors or therapists who work with individuals and families.…”

Think-Value-Communicate-Lead (TVCL): A Framework For Developing Family Professionals

“…Myers-Walls et al identified the purpose of FLE as "To increase knowledge and develop skills so families may build on their strengths to function at their optimal levels" (p. 370). In order to successfully fulfill this purpose, FLEs require skills in assessing family needs and setting goals on the basis of family needs and strengths, as well as the ability to develop and implement programs that teach individuals and families the knowledge and skills that strengthen families (Myers-Wall et al, 2011).…”

“…These professionals should also be equipped with knowledge and skill in the ten CFLE content areas (see http://www.ncfr.org/sites/default/files/downloads/news/FLE_Content_Areas_2011.pdf for a description of the 10 CFLE content areas) as well as skills in program development and evaluation, fundraising and grant writing, and leadership (Darling et al,, 2009;Myers-Wall et al, 2011;Taylor & Ballard, 2012;Wang & Ashcraft, 2012). The question then is how to ensure that we are preparing family professionals with the desired knowledge, skills, and experience?…”

“…Myers-Walls, Ballard, Darling and Myers-Bowman(2011) developed the Domains of Family Practice model which used journalistic questions to distinguish the boundaries among three family practice roles: family life education (FLE), family therapy, and family casework. Myers-Walls et al identified the purpose of FLE as "To increase knowledge and develop skills so families may build on their strengths to function at their optimal levels" (p. 370).…”