Smith to tackle positive youth development

Esteemed Penn State researcher, Dr Emilie Smith, has released details of her not to be missed keynote presentation during the 2013 Helping Families Change Conference.

Dr Smith will adress the crucial topic of “Community Support for Youth and Families”. Smith goes on to say, “Families have such an important role in the development of their children. Substantial research shows that family communication, cohesion, and appropriate structure supports youth and also helps them to make good choices in friends and peers. Community networks can help youth use their time constructively and connect them to others who may demonstrate a positive influence on their behavior. This presentation will explore ways in which families and communities can work together to support positive youth development.”

Dr. Smith has authored numerous papers on youth and family development, with particular attention to children and families of diverse racial-ethnic and social backgrounds. She has received millions of dollars in grants to research and support youth and families with parenting, school, and community-based programs to prevent violence and substance abuse, and promote positive youth development.

She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association’s Division 27, the Society for Community Research and Action and she is an Associate Editor of their flagship journal, the American Journal of Community Psychology. She serves as a reviewer for numerous other journals and national grant review committees. She is also on the guiding committee for the State of Pennsylvania in examining quality standards for child-care settings and the scientific committee of the 2013 HFCC is proud to announce her as a keynote speaker at next year’s conference.