CYAF hosts national NCFR conference

13 Nov 2018     By Katie Ballue

The Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies (CYAF) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln sponsored the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) annual conference last week in San Diego, which brings in the top family studies researchers and programs in the nation for a week-long event. CYAF was represented well, and many faculty and graduate students attended and presented research.

Each year, the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) recognizes a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) who has demonstrated exceptional effort in promoting, supporting, or improving the CFLE credential or program. This year's recipient is Justin Petkus, is a graduate student with CYAF. Petkus was recognized for his work in the middle east.

Dr. Rochelle Dalla, professor, was recognized with the Families and Health section 2018 Outstanding Professional Paper award for her paper on human trafficking in the sex trade in India.

Dalla presented on intrafamilial and community sanctioned sex trafficking among the Bedia people in India. John Smith, CYAF graduate student, presented the results of a study showing that the word count and linguistic characteristics of descriptions of past hurts affects the ability to forgive parents.  Julie Tippens, assistant professor, presented on forced immigration among Congolese adults navigating complex relationships with family, other immigrants, and professionals trying to help. Among others that took part in presenting work were Paul Springer, Associate Professor and Acting Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Natalie Williams, Assistant Professor, and Richard Bischoff, Professor and IANR Associate Vice Chancellor for Faculty and Academic Leader Success.