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 a community-based outpatient clinic that supports the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in the St. Louis region. CBH provides accessible, affordable psychological evaluations and therapy, helping families navigate emotional, behavioral, and life challenges while strengthening relationships and overall well-being. Through evidence-based care and community partnerships, the Center works to ensure families have the support they need to thrive.
     
  • 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.