Its research included the understanding of contemporary family structures and patterns, the changes taking place, and the implications of such changes for policy and practice; the analysis of the impact of public policy decisions on families of different kinds.
The centre acted as a centre of information, dissemination and debate, and aimed to serve as a bridge between policy-makers, academics and practitioners.
It produced a range of publications aimed at a variety of audiences, many of which are still available on its website.
The centre closed at the end of April 2001, after twenty-three years, following funding difficulties.
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