Review research on applications of lifespan psychologyThe aim and objective of this week is to select a program or an agency that conducts research into the psychology of the lifespan to create applications that strengthen public policy. and programs. The program selected for this mission is the Children's Defense Fund program. The Children's Defense Fund is a national organization established to ensure that every child is treated fairly and has an effective and promising start in life, regardless of race, background or disability. The Children's Defense Fund program works with psychologists and policy makers. and the community to conduct research on lifespan development with the goal of creating applications to strengthen public policies and programs. The Children Defense program is funded by corporate grants and donations made by other individual organizations. The program employs trained social workers and child protective service men and women to assist families whose children are suspected of being exposed to some type of abuse. Slep and Heyman (2002) state that “maltreatment is an act of physical, mental and psychological violence” (Slep and Heyman, 2002). There are four common forms of mistreatment or abuse. According to Slep and Heyman (2002), each form can have a critical effect on the development of a child's mental or physical behavior over the course of their life (Slep and Heyman, 2002). The four common forms of abuse are defined in the diagram below: Physical abuse: This act can be an act of violence, intentional or unintentional, frequently inflicted on a child, such as hitting, kicking or biting. Neglect: failure to provide a child with food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. Sexual abuse: sexual misconduct with ...... middle of paper ...... th fund program. Again, the Children's Defense Fund is a national organization established to ensure that every child is treated fairly and has an effective and promising start in life, regardless of race, background or disability. In this mission, I selected the Children's Defense Fund. program for my topic, my goal was to explain the purpose of the program and how it relates to lifespan development, public policy and applications. My understanding of public policy and life psychology is that the Children's Defense Fund program works closely with policymakers and psychologists to create innovative policies and practices to strengthen legislators and the community. Therefore, the main priorities for policies and practices are to help end child poverty, ensure that every child receives quality education and health care, and child protection..