'Parenting: Psychology, Public Health and Public Policy'

By Mike Porter

The Hon. Anne B. Holton, first lady of Virginia, served as guest speaker at a daylong parenting conference sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Psychology on Oct. 26, 2006.  "Parenting: Psychology, Public Health and Public Policy" explored parenting, public policy, adolescent sexual health and youth violence issues. Holton served as a judge at Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court for more than seven years, the last two as chief judge, before resigning after her husband's election as governor in 2005. Holton told participants that academia plays an important role in researching youth programs and helping judges and state leaders determine which programs are most effective.