The Center for Family Studies is dedicated to improving the quality of life for families. It is considered one of the nation’s flagship programs for the prevention and treatment of minority adolescent behavior problems. Research has focused on conduct disorder, delinquency, substance use, unsafe sexual behavior and other disruptive behaviors. The mission of the Center is to disseminate family therapy and prevention models though publications and a nationwide training program. The models are also extended to working families where one of their members is experiencing medical problems that are disruptive to family functioning, such as those related to HIV/AIDS. Beyond working with individual families, the Center’s mission extends to conducting research and influencing policy and public opinion on how to build a better social and physical environment that is supportive of families and children.
