Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice

Abstract

Division 37 of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice, was founded in 1978. The impetus for its formation was to draw together individuals interested in advocacy and social policy for children and families. The founding members were from the Section on Clinical Child Psychology, then Section 1 of the Division of Clinical Psychology, Division 12 of APA (Routh & Culbertson, 1996). Through revisions of the division name, essential components have remained: application of psychological knowledge through advocacy for the welfare of families, children, and youth. The division has been a leader within APA in child mental health efforts, opposition to violence, and child welfare. Historically, Division 37 was regarded as a public interest division, but it has also had a substantial interest in practice and education.