Improving the Lives of Individuals and Families

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Welcome to HDFS

Welcome to the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) at the University of Missouri. The University of Missouri is a comprehensive research-intensive university and the first public university established west of the Mississippi River. We are very proud of the long and storied traditions at Mizzou and our department is a strong entity within the university and the College of Education and Human Development.

Explore our site and learn more about the mission of HDFS.

A group photo of several HDFS faculty

HDFS in the Community

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The Center for Family Policy and Research (CFPR) was established in 1997 to serve as a resource for the development of effective public policies relating to children, youth, and families. The center also maintains a focus on the integration of research, policy, and practice.

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The MU Child Development Lab provides exemplary care and education for infants and young children. Several HDFS courses, and at least one course from Education, utilize the CDL as a teacher-training site.

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Focus on Kids is a program for separating and divorcing parents that was developed by MU faculty. It is offered in more than 50 Missouri counties. Over 32,000 Missouri parents have attended FOK since 1996. An online version of Focus on Kids was launched in 2010.