Description:
Exploration of Integrated Approaches to Supporting Child Development and Improving Family Economic Security was a project conducted by Mathematica Policy Research and Northwestern University for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF). It focused on programs using intentionally combined services that aim to improve parents' economic security as well as children's development and well-being. Such programs typically offer services to help parents obtain steady employment with higher earnings as their children are receiving developmental and educational services. This project was designed to give ACF and other stakeholders an overview of the current state of programs that aim to meet the needs of low-income families (parents and children) through intentionally combined sets of activities. The project explored theory, program models, research evidence, and areas for future research. Project activities included: (1) a targeted literature review, environmental scan, and field work to identify and describe existing programs; (2) development of a conceptual framework to inform program design and research; and (3) suggestions for the directions future research and evaluation might take. In this report, we describe the findings in detail and offer recommendations for future research on programs and approaches. (author abstract)
Resource Type:
Reports & Papers
Publisher(s):
Country:
United States