Family and Human Development
We are committed to serving individuals and families in rural, urban, and suburban communities throughout the Commonwealth. We offer educational programs and resources on topics that affect families throughout the life cycle. At each stage, we provide education to strengthen families and improve their lives.
Research currently shows that:
- 1 in 5 Virginia children enter Kindergarten without the basic skills needed to succeed
- A child is abused or neglected every 75 minutes
- 65 percent of older persons with long-term care needs rely exclusively on family and friends to provide assistance
Whether raising children, caring for aging adults, or focusing on personal health or relationships, families make choices everyday. To make the most informed decisions that lead to healthier development, stronger relationships, and greater overall well-being, families need practical, accurate, and unbiased information. Virginia Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences professionals provide this information to the citizens of Virginia through group meetings, newsletters, news columns, website links, programs, and on-line trainings and publications.
Family and human development topics include:
- Stages of child development
- Adolescent growth and development
- Effective parenting techniques
- Positive discipline
- Healthy parent-child relationships
- Teen parenting
- Strong marriage relationships
- Caring for older adults
- Aging Issues
- Communication
- Prevention of unhealthy, risky behaviors among youth
- Training for child care providers/early childhood educators