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The Value of State of Family Reports to the General Public

The Center for the Scientific Study of Families publishes State of Family (SoF) reports that are designed to provide relevant information about the conditional state of families in a specified context. The report provides information such as population, culture, family structure, and family life. 

SoF reports are an important tool for improving the lives of families. By providing information about the family’s conditional state and context, family reports can help improve communication between families and service providers and lead to better outcomes for families and children.

One question to consider is the relevancy of the reports. Let’s consider the value of SoF reports to the general public. The general public can benefit from SoF reports in a number of ways, including:

  • Understanding the needs of families in their community:  State of family reports can provide the general public with information about the challenges and opportunities that families are facing in their community. This information can be used to get involved in programs and services that support families and to advocate for policies that promote family well-being.
  • Making informed decisions about their own families: State of family reports can provide the general public with information about the resources and support services that are available to families in their community. This information can be used to make informed decisions about how to best support their own families.
  • Building stronger communities: State of family reports can help the general public understand the factors that contribute to family well-being, such as access to quality education, healthcare, and housing. This information can be used to work together to build stronger communities in which all families can thrive.

There are a number of ways this can manifest in real life. For instance, parents might use a SoF report to identify high-quality childcare programs in their community. Or, maybe a grandparent might use a SoF report to learn about resources that can help them care for their grandchildren. Also, a community leader might use a SoF report to advocate for increased funding for after-school programs in their community. Lastly, a voter might use a SoF report to make informed decisions about candidates who are running for office.

Overall, SoF reports can be a valuable resource for the general public, which is committed to supporting families and building stronger communities. By providing the general public with information about the conditional state and needs of families, the resources and support services that are available to families, and the factors that contribute to family well-being, SoF reports can help the general public get involved in programs and services that support families, make informed decisions about their own families, and build stronger communities.

 

Notes
Contributors

profajames

Anthony G. James, Jr. holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in human development and family studies from the University of Missouri and a B.S. in Sociology (with a minor in Military Science) from Lincoln University (MO). He is an associate professor in the Department of Family Science & Social Work at Miami University. He is the editor-in-chief of Marriage and Family Review. Dr. James’s research and thought leadership has appeared in Diverse Issue in Higher Education, TIME, and the Thrive Center for Human Development blog. He is the editor of Black Families: A Systems Approach, co-editor of Essays of Advice, and author of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: A Practical Guide.

Prof. A James Jr.
Prof. A James Jr.

Anthony James Jr. is a professor at Miami University in the Department of Family Science and Social Work. He is the founder and director of the Center for the Scientific Study of Families.

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