About Us
The Maryland Family Policy Impact Seminar is a series of seminars, forums, briefing reports and follow-up activities to inform the decision making of state policy makers. The seminar promotes a family perspective in policy development, enactment, and implementation by connecting research to policymaking.
Given the growing realization that one effective way to help individuals is by strengthening their families, the Family Policy Impact Seminar analyzes the effects of policies and programs on families. Rather than lobbying for a particular policy option, the Seminar provides policymakers with a neutral, nonpartisan forum for fostering dialogue and seeking common ground.
Activities of the Seminar include seminars, forums, briefing reports, roundtable discussions, and follow-up activities around specific issues that impact family well-being.
The Maryland Family Policy Impact Seminar is directed by the Department of Family Science at the University of Maryland, College Park, and is part of a national network of state Family Impact Seminars.
Goals
- Identify timely issues of interest to state policymakers
- Encourage policymakers to consider how policies and programs affect family well-being
- Provide research that is useful for developing policies that strengthen and support families across the life cycle
- Facilitate communication and establish linkages among researchers, policymakers, and policy implementers
Unique Features
- Objective, nonpartisan research and information
- A family perspective in policymaking
- Varied forms of dissemination based on the needs of state policymakers
- Proactive rather than reactive approach
