Myers-Bowman, co-authors develop new model for defining family life education

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

Karen S. Myers-Bowman, associate professor in family studies and human services, co-authored a ground-breaking article on family life education published in the October issue of Family Relations: Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Studies. The article, “Reconceptualizing the Domain and Boundaries of Family Life Education,” sets forth a new model that defines family life education as unique yet collaborative among the way in which professionals serve families.

The authors explore the professions of family life education, family therapy and social work case management.

Working with her on the model were Judith A. Myers-Walls from Purdue University, Sharon M. Ballard from East Carolina University and Carol Anderson Darling from Florida State University.

Glen Palm, professor of child and family studies at St. Cloud State University, commented on the significance of the article: “It is a breakthrough in clarifying the FLE role and establishing distinct boundaries with both family therapy and family casework. This work opens doors for needed collaboration among family practitioners. The shift from a hierarchical model to a collaborative model distinguishes the unique role and skill set of family life educators in relationship to other family service providers.”

The journal is published by the National Council on Family Relation, a professional association for the multidisciplinary understanding of families. NCFR has a membership of more than 3500 family researchers, practitioners and educators. It sets the professional standards for delivering family life education and established the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) credential.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 29th, 2011 and is filed under College News, FSHS.