Research Accomplishment Reports 2011

Children, Youth and Families Education and Research Network - Program

J. Kurzynske, W. Stivers
Department of Human Environmental Sciences

 

Non-Technical Summary

The purpose of this work is to expand the CYFERnet-Program component in collaboration with CYFERnet-Evaluation, CYFERnet-Technology, CYFAR liaisons, and USDA/CSREES. CYFERnet is a collaborative, multi-university project that provides technological access to cutting edge research, programs, evaluation, and promising practices. Needs of the CYFAR sites across the country guide the process.

2011 Project Description

The CYFERnet Program team and editorial boards provided technical assistance and resources to CYFAR projects and other users through a variety of strategies. Nearly 1,000 resources were peer reviewed and 895 accepted and posted for an acceptance rate of 89.7%.

Over 430 military-related resources peer-reviewed and posted on CYFERnet Hot Topics offered research-based information on a variety of issues facing vulnerable populations. Topics included School Retention and Dropout Prevention; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues Related to Suicide and Bullying Prevention; Talking to Children about War, Terrorism and Difficult Topics; Family Budget Stress; and Healthy Eating: Community Gardens and Food Science. All Hot Topics are archived on CYFERnet at: http://www.cyfernet.org/pagelist.phpc=1441

In partnership with nationally recognized Extension faculty, the CYFERnet-Program team offered ten webinars. Over 900 individuals participated in webinars. Webinar topics included: Healthy Air + Healthy Spaces = Healthy Children; Living a More Balanced Life; Food Insecurity and Children Living in Immigrant Families; Pathways to Latino Student Success: Programs and Practices that make a Difference; and Let's Move Faith and Communities: America's Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids. These webinars are archived on CYFERnet for ongoing professional development at: http://www.cyfernet.org/pagelist.phpc=1423

To promote the use of CYFERnet and strengthen the capacity of frontline CYFAR staff and volunteers to work with vulnerable populations, the CYFERnet Program team and editorial boards conducted over 50 workshops and conference presentations with over 2,000 participants throughout the country.

The CYFERnet-Program team conducted three professional development sessions at the 2011 DoD/USDA Family Resilience Conference in Chicago: *CYFAR Professional Development 101: Using Children, Youth and Families at Risk Competencies to Select the Right Person for the Right Job *CYFAR Professional Development 102: Guiding and Mentoring Professionals *Adolescent Sexual Health and Well-Being - What's Happening Now (Interact Session)

2011 Impact

Currently, there are over 8,600 resources in the database. There were more than 1 million searches/browses to the website in 2011. Over 900 individuals participated in webinars saving travel time and dollars.

Over 2,000 participants throughout the nation have been trained by the CYFERnet program team. The CYFERnet Program team and editorial boards collaborated nationally on a number of efforts to strengthen programming for vulnerable audiences.

Highlighted collaborations included: Collaborations with eXtension Communities of Practice: *Early Childhood - Better Kid Care *School Age - Youth Science, Engineering and Technology *Teen - eXtension Evaluation and Nevada Institutional Team *Parent/Family - Family Caregiving and Financial Security for All *Community - eXtension Evaluation Collaborations with 4-H Youth Development: *4-H Afterschool *National 4-H Curriculum Jury Review *4-H Healthy Living *National 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology Evaluation Collaborations with the Military Extension Partnerships: *Involvement with 4-H Military Liaisons and Operation: Military Kids grants *Participation in eXtension Military Families Learning Network and Military Families Child Care Initiative *Work on grants such as Military-Extension Adventure Camp Initiative and Military Child Care Training and Technical Assistance.