Deadline: Friday, January 20, 2017 

The Board for the Advancement of Psychology in the Public Interest (BAPPI), the Board of Professional Affairs (BPA), the Board of Scientific Affairs (BSA), and the Board of Educational Affairs (BEA) are currently seeking members to serve on a Working Group to review the scientific literature on families experiencing high-conflict family relationships and custody issues.   

We will form a Working Group to (1) review and synthesize the current scientific literature and scholarly research in this area, and (2) recommend next steps for advancing knowledge development and application in this area. This Working Group will be nominated by the APA Boards and relevant Committees and appointed by the APA Board of Directors.  The Working Group will include people with expertise in research methodology and assessment as well as in clinical, forensic, and family practice, including attachment theory and family systems theory; assessment; family law proceedings; trauma; child and adolescent psychology; child abuse and neglect, and related family issues.  The Working Group will work virtually (i.e., no face-to-face meetings) and include 7 members, including one non-psychologist member with relevant expertise.  The Working Group will provide regular reports on the activities and progress to the APA Boards listed above. Recommendations initiated by the Working Group will not constitute policy; rather they will be subject to formal review and approval in accordance with Association Rules.  

The Working Group members must be prepared to work collaboratively under tight deadlines. Potential Working Group members must be flexible in their availability so that virtual meetings may be scheduled in a timely manner.

Self-nominations are encouraged, in addition to nominations from other sources or individuals.  In order for any potential candidate to be considered, complete nomination packets must include: (a) a letter of interest (no more than one page) from the candidate stating the desire to be considered for this Working Group and willingness to meet the expectations laid out in this Call, (b) a nomination letter that includes a description of the candidate’s specific expertise and qualifications relative to the goals of the specific Working Group, and (c) a current curriculum vitae.

All nomination materials must be received by Friday, January 20, 2017, submitted to the Public Interest Directorate, at dgraham@apa.org  no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT.   Candidates with relevant expertise not selected as Working Group members may be asked to serve as advisors and/or reviewers.  Individuals who are not members of APA and those from other disciplines with relevant expertise may also be identified and consulted.