The Center for Youth, Family, and Community Partnerships (CYFCP) was established in 1996 to encourage interdisciplinary research and to utilize the resources of the University to address social concerns in the community.  The Center is funded primarily through a diverse portfolio of federal, state, local, and foundation grants and contracts.  It is located within the Office of Research and Engagement.  As such, its role is to advance the research and outreach vision and mission of the University, to build social capital, and to enhance the visibility of UNCG’s research enterprise.  Consistent with its mission, Center initiatives focus on school-based prevention and intervention programs; childhood mental health and positive youth development; family strengthening; juvenile justice, court interventions and community safety; community health; system of care and cultural competency; and workforce development to advance educational success, health and well-being.

The Center is recognized as a source of innovation and leadership, meeting social and economic challenges to improve the quality of life for the citizens of North Carolina.  We work with more than 150 community and state partners in research, evaluation, and training and technical assistance collaborations.  These include partners in education, early child care, child welfare and family support, public health, mental health and substance abuse, law enforcement, the courts, youth serving agencies, and state and local governments.  A major thrust of the CYFCP mission is to advance the health and well-being of children, youth, and their families.  The impact of the Center can be seen in improved and more cost-effective systems for providing services for children and families, better access to care; reduced risk for mental health crisis, school dropout, violence, and gang affiliation; and research, training and workforce development to meet 21st Century demands.