What we do at FARR-net requires a connection with the community around us. Our research is just part of what we do. We also believe that we can educate others with our findings.

We are excited to work with schools, organizations, and educators looking for ways their members can speak with youth, families, or education groups about how relationships influence us across the lifespan.

If you're interested in these opportunities, please contact us by email at farrnet@missouri.edu.

Recent and ongoing outreach efforts

Our faculty and doctoral candidates lead outreach efforts of all kinds. Take a look at some of the most current projects.

  • Dr. Kale Monk is a regular contributor to Relevate, a website dedicated to making relationships-based research more publicly available and accessible.
  • Several of our members, particularly those based in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at MU, are engaged in a wide variety of Centers with the goal of outreach to Missouri families.
  • Dr. Colleen Colaner provides classes and workshops for parents interested in learning more about emotion coaching with children, Bringing Baby Home, and family communication.
  • Doctoral candidate Nanxi Xu recently published a policy brief on “COVID-19, In-person Schooling, & Children’s Mental Health” as part of her role as a MOST Policy Initiative fellow.
  • Dr. Christi Bergin and colleagues contributed to an article in Principal magazine on the “The Pros of Prosocial” regarding the benefits of positive behaviors on students’ well-being and achievement.
     

Community Partners

  • ParentLink is a free service through the University of Missouri that connects families across Missouri with trusted parenting information, resources, and referrals. Through a confidential helpline, online resources, and community connections, ParentLink supports parents and caregivers as they navigate challenges, strengthen family relationships, and promote healthy child development.
     
  • Parents As Teachers is an evidence-based home visiting program that supports families from pregnancy through kindergarten. By partnering with parents and caregivers, the program promotes healthy child development, school readiness, and strong family relationships through personalized visits, screenings, and connections to community resources.
     
  • Face of Boone County (FACE) connects youth (ages 0–19) and their families with high-quality, free case management and community support services to address social, emotional, and behavioral health needs. FACE helps families identify concerns, develop action plans, and access counseling, resources, and other supports, while also partnering with local schools to strengthen mental health screening, training, and early intervention throughout Boone County.
     
  • Mizzou Prosocial Ed (short for the Prosocial Development & Education Research Lab at the University of Missouri) focuses on understanding and promoting prosocial behavior — actions like kindness, cooperation, and respect in schools and communities. Through research, teacher professional development, and partnerships with educators and organizations, the program helps students build social–emotional skills that improve classroom climate, engagement, and academic success while also supporting teachers in creating positive learning environments.
     
  • Center for Behavioral Health at the University of Missouri–St. Louis is an outpatient clinic with the mission of providing high-quality, affordable outpatient evaluation and therapy services for families throughout the region, with a special focus on no-cost psychological evaluations for children and adolescents. By identifying developmental, emotional, and behavioral concerns early, we aim to support timely intervention that promotes long-term success and well-being.  We serve as a regional center of excellence and a training site for future psychologists, offering hands-on experience to clinical graduate students, psychology interns, and postdoctoral residents. In alignment with the University’s mission, we also foster opportunities for basic and applied research that advances the field of psychology.
     
  • Promise 1000 is a home-visiting collective that helps pregnant parents and families with young children (birth to age 3) by connecting them to free, supportive early childhood home-visiting services. Trained home visitors meet families where they live to offer personalized guidance, parenting support, and connections to community resources during the critical first 1,000 days of a child’s life strengthening parent-child relationships, promoting healthy development, and helping families thrive together.
     
  • Brighter Beginnings is a collaborative home-visiting referral network in Boone County that helps pregnant parents and families with young children (ages 0–5) access free, tailored support services. By connecting families quickly and easily to programs that match their needs, including education, healthcare, and parenting resources, Brighter Beginnings supports healthy pregnancies, strong parent-child relationships, and positive early childhood development in the community.
     
  • Boys and Girls Club of Columbia provides a safe, welcoming place for kids and teens to learn, grow, and have fun during out-of-school hours. Through after-school and summer programs, the Club supports youth with homework help, leadership activities, healthy lifestyle initiatives, arts and recreation, and opportunities to build confidence and life skills. By offering caring adult mentors and engaging activities, the Club helps young people strengthen their academic success, personal character, and healthy relationships so they can reach their full potential in school and in life.
     
  • Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment provides families with diagnostic evaluations, therapies, and resources for autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. By combining expert care, research, and community support, the Center helps children and teens build skills, overcome challenges, and strengthen family well‑being.
     
  • MU Family Impact Center brings University of Missouri research, education, and resources directly into the community to help families improve quality of life. The Center offers free and low-cost programs in one place, including family support, youth development, health services, and tax assistance, helping individuals and families access the tools, skills, and connections they need to thrive.
     
  • Center for Child Well-being is a Missouri-based initiative that works to improve outcomes for children and families through research, data, and community collaboration. By bringing together researchers, service providers, and organizations across the state, the Center helps identify community needs and translate research into practical strategies, programs, and policies. Through a focus on prevention, early intervention, and cross-sector partnerships, the Center supports child development, strengthens families, and promotes well-being across Missouri communities.
     
  • Building Strong Families is a University of Missouri Extension program that supports individuals and families in building healthy, stable, and resilient relationships. Through interactive workshops and community-based education, the program covers topics like communication, parenting, financial well-being, and stress management. By offering practical, research-based tools and resources, Building Strong Families helps families strengthen relationships, navigate everyday challenges, and create supportive home environments that promote long-term well-being.
     
  • Strong Couples is a University of Missouri Extension program that helps couples build stronger, healthier relationships through research-based education and support. The program includes self-paced online modules and guided coaching sessions focused on communication, commitment, and conflict resolution. By providing practical, evidence-based tools, Strong Couples helps partners strengthen connection, improve relationship satisfaction, and support long-term well-being for individuals and families.
     
  • Focus on Kids is a University of Missouri Extension program that supports parents navigating divorce or separation by helping them prioritize their children’s well-being. Through research-based education, the program teaches effective co-parenting strategies, communication skills, and ways to support children’s emotional adjustment. Offered in partnership with Missouri courts, Focus on Kids helps families reduce conflict, strengthen parenting relationships, and create more stable, supportive environments for children.