Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network - Research and Evaluations

Employment Supports/Asset Building

RESEARCH AND EVALUATIONS

This section provides resources on TANF support services such as child care, financial incentives, education, transportation and health.

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General Topic
Child Care
Child Support
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Education
Food and Nutrition
Health
Housing/Economic Development
Individual Development Accounts
Kinship Care
Mentoring
Transportation

General Topic

Highlights of a Forum: Ensuring Opportunities for Disadvantaged Children and Families, November 2008

The General Accounting Office (GAO) convened this forum in June 2008 to address and discuss current issues for disadvantaged children and families in a time where the federal budget for such programs is decreasing. It is projected that Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security will dramatically increase as a share of the Federal budget, and the GAO was interested in learning about how disadvantaged families and children will fare.

For more information, please see: http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-09-18SP

New Hope for the Working Poor: Effects After Eight Years for Families and Children, July 2008

This article was authored by MDRC, with funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The New Hope project was designed to support low-wage, fulltime workers in the workplace by providing benefits to keep families above the poverty line, such as low-cost health insurance and subsidized child care. Often times, such supports can be key in supporting TANF families’ transition off public assistance. This report is an evaluation of the program after eight years, and it shows that work supports have many positive effects on low-income families.

For more information, please see: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/488/full.pdf

Financial Help among Family and Friends in Vulnerable Neighborhoods, May 2008

For lower-income families, financial support from family and friends can be a crucial support during economic crisis. This report, from the Urban Institute, provides information on family and friends that gave financial help, and found that 39 percent of respondents gave financial help in the past 12 months.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411674_financial_help.pdf

The Safety Net as Social Network, May 2008

This presentation was given at the 11th Annual Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference, which was sponsored through the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation. Researchers from Indiana University-Bloomington, School of Public & Environmental Affairs, describe how the safety net is constructed by local social service providers within the context of welfare reform. The PowerPoint explains how the safety net is understood as a “web of social relations” and provides information on this networking approach.

Download Document [PDF - 3,164 KB]

Determinants of Asset Building, April 2008

The Urban Institute authored this article on determinants of asset building for families in the United States. Specifically, the report presents a conceptual framework for the determinants of saving and asset accumulation. Authors also provide policy-relevant recommendations to increase asset accumulation among families.

For more information, please see: http://urban.org/UploadedPDF/411650_asset_building.pdf

How Households Expect to Cope in a Financial Emergency, March 2008

From the Urban Institute, this fact sheet provides an overview of how households cope with financial emergencies. For low-income families, asset building can often provide the necessary supports to help families deal with unforeseen expenses and remain economically stable. Authors review how households with incomes over $30,000 cope in financial emergency as compared to those with incomes below $30,000.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411621_financial_emergency.pdf

Designing Subsidy Systems to Meet the Needs of Families: An Overview of Policy Research Findings, February 2008

Subsidies through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and TANF are often crucial to helping parents maintain employment and reach self-sufficiency. From the Urban Institute, this report provides an overview of research conducted on strategies that states have employed to help eligible families access subsidies. Most recently, states have been redesigning subsidy programs to support families in stable employment.

For more information, please see: http://urban.org/UploadedPDF/411611_subsidy_system.pdf

The Balance Sheets of Low-Income Households: What We Know About Their Assets and Liabilities, January 2008

This report is from the Urban Institute and is part of a series on asset building and the low-income population. In this report, authors provide an overview of 20 current research studies on the assets and liabilities of low-income households. By synthesizing the data, researchers offer a picture of the balance sheet for low-income families and conclude with suggestions for future research on this topic.

For more information, please see: http://urban.org/UploadedPDF/411594_low-income_balance_sheets.pdf

Home Visiting: Strengthening Families by Promoting Parenting Success, November 2007

This policy brief is from the National Human Services Assembly and provides information on effective home visiting program models. Home visiting is a family-strengthening strategy that can support not only parents and caregivers, but also can influence the lives of young children. Studies have shown that home visits can increase positive outcomes for children in at-risk families.

For more information, please see: http://www.nassembly.org/fspc/documents/FSPBrief23FINAL.pdf

Using Vouchers to Deliver Social Services: Considerations Based on the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program Experiences, November 2007

Prepared for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, this resource, authored by Mathematica Policy Research, explores aspects of voucher use between the CCDF and TANF programs. Authors address why indirect funding is used for some services and not others, how vouchers can be used for maximizing client choices in the delivery of social services, and factors that contribute to or limit client choice of services.

For more information, please see: http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/publications/pdfs/voucherconsiderations.pdf

Bridging the Gaps: A Picture of How Work Supports Work in Ten States, October 2007

From the Center for Social Policy and the Center for Economic and Policy Research, this resource provides an overview of the struggles faced by low-income, working families in ten States across the country. Researchers measured eligibility for work supports, such as child care assistance; Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC); food stamps; housing assistance; Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).

For more information, please see: http://www.bridgingthegaps.org/publications/nationalreport.pdf

From Getting By to Getting Ahead: Navigating Career Advancement for Low-Wage Workers, October 2007

From MDRC, this report reviews earnings and work support programs that assist working families. MDRC’s Work Advancement and Support Center (WASC) demonstration program is designed to support workers in the workplace and help workers stabilize their incomes through supports such as food stamps, public health insurance, subsidized child care, and tax credits for eligible low-income families.

For more information, please see: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/465/full.pdf

Improving Work Supports: Closing the Financial Gap for Low-Wage Workers and their Families, October 2007

This paper is from the Economic Policy Institute and provides an overview of why work supports are needed to sustain working families in the United States. Work support benefits can help low-wage workers close the gap between earnings and expenses to support their families. Researchers provide an overview of existing work support programs and offer recommendations for enhancing such programs.

For more information, please see: http://www.sharedprosperity.org/bp198/bp198.pdf

Next Steps in Providing Benefits to Low-Wage Workers, October 2007

This resource is from the Urban Institute, and includes information from a forum on supporting low-wage workers. One in twenty adult workers earns low wages; it is often a struggle to support their families in such jobs. This resource, which includes presentations from panelists, offers information on how low-wage workers can be supported through income, benefits, and work support services.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/Pressroom/firsttuesdays/october2007.cfm

Meeting Responsibilities at Work and Home: Public and Private Supports, September 2007

Over 70 percent of mothers are now in the labor force, and supporting parents in the workforce is crucial for both employers and families. Authors from the Urban Institute summarize what has been done for mitigating work-family tensions, such as paid parental/family leave, paid sick leave, workplace flexibility, child care assistance, and links to public programs. In conclusion, authors provide how supports can be expanded to support families.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411537_meeting_responsibilities.pdf

Making Markets an Asset for the Poor, July 2007

This resource paper is through the Brookings Institution and offers strategies on making markets more affordable for the poor. The author, Matt Fellowes, offers strategies to help reduce the high cost prices in low-income markets such as offering incentives for businesses to enter lower-income markets and investing in tools so low-income consumers can be better informed about financial decisions.

For more information, please see: http://www3.brookings.edu/views/papers/fellowes/20070723.pdf

Trends in Work Supports for Low-Income Families with Children, July 2007

Since the inception of TANF in 1996, more low-income people have been going to work, and need work supports to increase job retention. This brief from the Urban Institute reviews four core work support programs- Medicaid, food stamps, child care subsidies, and federal and state earned income tax credits- and trends in spending through 2005. Between 2002 and 2005, total spending on core work support activities increased by $23 billion.

For more information, please see: http://urban.org/UploadedPDF/311495_Work_Supports.pdf

Connecting Microenterprise Programs to Asset Building Strategies, June 2007

The FIELD program is a project through the Aspen Institute to increase awareness and funding for microenterprise for low-income families. While wages are important to economic security, accumulating assets can often help families along the way to self-sufficiency. Microenterprise programs in the United States have offered opportunities to low-income families to build wealth and acquire assets. This guide describes innovative microenterprise programs that support low-income families around the country.

For more information, please see: http://fieldus.org/Publications/FunderGuide10.pdf

Framework for a New Safety Net for Low-Income Working Families, June 2007

From this Urban Institute, this paper offers a framework for conceptualizing public programs available to low-income working families to reach economic security and self-sufficiency. Often times, public programs, such as housing and child care subsidies, job training, health insurance, the earned income tax credit (EITC) and food stamps, do not coordinate with one another and operate under different rules and regulations.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411475_low_income.pdf

Some Thoughts About New and Old Asset-Promotion Policies, June 2007

This resource from the Urban Institute’s Robert Lerman includes his thoughts on asset promotion policies. New asset policies are driven by the goal that the accumulation and ownership of assets is critical to move low income families into the middle class. Among the benefits of asset building, include the psychological benefits from making positive decisions that enhance economic and social well-being.

For more information, please see: http://urban.org/UploadedPDF/411477_asset_promotion.pdf

Eligibility for Child Tax Credit by Age of Child, May 2007

The child tax credit is the largest federal cash assistance program for children. In 2007, tax filers can claim a credit equal to 15 percent of the excess of earnings over $11,750, up to the $1,000 per child. Authors find that among working families, more than 30 percent of qualifying children under age 2 are in families with earnings too low to qualify for the full credit.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411470_Eligibility_Child.pdf

Investing in Parents to Invest in Children, May 2007

From MDRC, this resource includes remarks from MDRC to Congress on how the government can help invest in parents by “making work pay,” which will ultimately improve outcomes for children. Currently, the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit can supplement income for families in the US, but additional supports are needed for lower income families.

For more information, please see: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/456/presentation.pdf

Financing Asset-Building and Financial Education Programs for Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care, April 2007

This publication is part of a series on examining strategies for financing supports and services to assist youth in foster care transition into adulthood. This brief reviews financial education and asset building strategies to support youth aging out of foster care, including partner agencies and resources that communities can leverage to support youth.

For more information, please see: http://www.financeproject.org/publications/FinLitAssetBuild_SB.pdf

Family Strengthening Policy Center: Family Literacy, January 2007

This Family Strengthening Policy Center Brief from the National Human Services Assembly provides an overview of family literacy education programs. Family literacy programs have been proven to have high educational benefits, as well as giving preparing caregivers to succeed as parents and employees, enhancing bonds between parents and children, and ultimately, strengthening connections between families, schools, and the community.

To view or download: http://www.nassembly.org/fspc/documents/Brief19.pdf

Strategies to Build Assets Among Low-Income Families: Mapping the Field, December 2006

This article, from the Finance Project, reviews the importance of building assets for low-income families. Authors review key strategies for providing programs to help expand asset-building opportunities for these families to move off pubic assistance and into self-sufficiency.

To view or download: http://www.financeproject.org/publications/StrategiestoBuildAssets.pdf

Heat or Eat: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Nutritional and Health Risks Among Children Less Than 3 Years of Age, November 2006

This journal abstract, from the Pediatrics Journal, reviews a study that evaluated participation in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and how it relates to the health of young children. Researchers found that non-recipient households were a greater risk for poor child health- children tested at lower than average heights and weights for their age group.

To view or download: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/118/5/e1293

Defending the Dream: How Funders Can Curtail Predatory Lending to Help Individuals and Communities, August 2006

This issue brief aims to discuss predatory lending and the effects that this practice has on the financial wellbeing of children and families. Authors review how local communities can take action against predatory lending toward vulnerable borrowers to help support asset building in low income working families.

To view or download: http://www.nfg.org/publications/Defending_the_Dream_2006.pdf

Financial Literacy Strategies: Where Do We Go From Here?, August 2006

From the Urban Institute, this report reviews the state of financial literacy and education programs in the US. Authors offer their perspectives on the content of current financial education programs and offer implications for the future of financial literacy problems.

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Government Work Supports and Low-Income Families, July 2006

From the Urban Institute, this fact sheet reviews various work supports available to low-income families since the 1996 PRWORA. Although work supports were significantly expanded, they still fall short in providing families enough to promote asset building, leading to self-sufficiency.

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From Financial Literacy to Financial Capability Among Youth, June 2006

Many at-risk youth do not have access to financial knowledge or financial institutions necessary to help them build savings and accumulate assets. Authors have coined the term "financial capability" as a goal to help youth "develop financial knowledge and skills, but also gain access to financial instruments and institutions." This article reviews approaches from increasing financial capability among youth.

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Is There a System Supporting Low-Income Working Families?, February 2006

This paper considers four programs--Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), food stamps, child care subsidies, and the earned income tax credit (EITC)--that form the core work support system in the United States. It highlights differences in program funding, eligibility, and delivery systems. It describes trends in participation and synthesizes research knowledge about the observed differences in program participation. The paper concludes that these programs do not form an effective system. Each program operates under different rules that many low-income working families find daunting. A few recent state innovations offer potential for improving the system.

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State Policy Options to Encourage Asset Development for Low-Income Families, February 2006

Asset building can be an important anti-poverty tool for many families as tangible assets can be passed down from generation to generation and afford families greater economic stability than income alone. Savings accounts are key to increasing family assets to help families achieve self-sufficiency. Policymakers have implemented a variety of strategies to encourage saving and asset building among low-income families, including Individual Development Accounts, and the EITC. This brief reviews the role that policymakers play in promoting asset building for low-income population.

For more information, please see: http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/06StatePolicyOptionstoEncourageAssetDevelopment.pdf

Child Care

ACF, OFA Tri-Regional TANF Child Care Forum, September 2008

In keeping with the goal of engaging all families and improving employment and self-sufficiency outcomes as well as the goal of increasing collaboration between the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Family Assistance (OFA), Regions IV, VI and VIII, held a Tri-Regional Technical Assistance Forum, September 23-25, 2008, in Dallas. The theme of the 3-day Forum was titled, “The Power of Partnership.” The forum, in plenary sessions, addressed the interface issues of both programs. Separately, State TANF Directors and members of their staffs learned about strategies and new resources to help refine implementation of the provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

Download Final Report [PDF - 331 KB]

Child Care Voucher Programs: Provider Experiences in Five Counties, May 2008

From the Urban Institute, this report looks at child care centers and their experiences with the child care subsidy voucher system. This report is part of a larger study, Child Care Providers and the Child Care Voucher System, made possible by grants from the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Authors provide details on child care providers and the child care voucher system by integrating quantitative data from a survey of providers and qualitative data from site visits that included interviews and focus groups.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411667_provider_experiences.pdf

Patterns of Child Care Use Among Low-Income Families, September 2007

This study was conducted through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation. Researchers looked at how states are implementing programs to meet the child care needs of families moving from welfare to work, and provide an overview of what types of child care options low-income families use.

For more information, please see: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/cc/nsc_low_income/reports/patterns_cc/patterns_childcare.pdf

Care in the Home: A Description of Family Child Care and the Experiences of the Families and Children That Use It, August 2007

Funded through the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, this study investigated a group of families over a two and a half year period on their child care use to understand how child care options help to support parents’ employment as well as meet children’s needs for a safe, healthy and nurturing environment. Information was also gathered on 17 states on administering child care and welfare programs after the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

For more information, please see: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/cc/nsc_low_income/reports/care_home/care_home.pdf

National Study of Child Care for Low-Income Families Care in the Home: A Description of Family Child Care and the Experiences of the Families and Children Who Use It: Final Report, August 2007

This study was conducted under contract to the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. First commissioned in the wake of welfare reform in 1996, this study examined how states and communities implemented programs to meet the child care needs of families moving from welfare to work. Specifically, this report offers information from the In-Depth Study of Family Child Care, one of three components of the National Study of Child Care for Low-Income Families.

For more information, please see: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/cc/nsc_low_income/reports/care_home/care_home.pdf

Vouchers for Housing and Child Care: Common Challenges and Emerging Strategies, August 2007

From the Urban Institute, this paper reviews lessons learned on utilizing child care and housing vouchers to support families. Authors focus on strategies for implementing voucher programs to improve outcomes for children and families. For example, the development of evidence-based criteria to identify high-quality child care and opportunity-rich neighborhoods can often improve voucher programs.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411547_vouchers_housing_child.pdf

Early Care and Education for Children in Low-Income Families, June 2007

Early care and education has become a reality for many young children with an increasing number of working parents in the United States. The early years for children are extremely important for future development and prove the need for high-quality early care and education for low-income families. This resource, from the Urban Institute, found that more than half of children younger than the age of six in low-income families are enrolled in early care and education programs.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411482_early_care.pdf

The Quality of School-Age Child Care in After-School Settings, June 2007

Through the Harvard Family Research Project, this brief reviews the characteristics of high quality after-school programs and how research has been put into practice to improve programs. Some examples of high quality programs include appropriate supervision and program structure; an environment that fosters positive youth-adult relationships; opportunities for autonomy and choice; and good relationships among the various settings.

For more information, please see: http://www.researchconnections.org/SendPdf?resourceId=12576

Early Care and Education for Children in Low-Income Families: Patterns of Use, Quality, and Potential Policy Implications, May 2007

From the Urban Institue, this paper reviews the use and quality of care and education that children in low-income families receive. Authors focus on these issues and provide suggestions for better supporting the development of children in low-income families before they enter the public school system. Current public policies are focused on supporting parental work, child development, and the quality of market-based settings, and many policies do not focus on all three of these issues, which are important.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411482_early_care.pdf

Making Child Care Subsidies Work for Families, January 2007

The Urban Institute conducted this event surrounding the importance of child care subsidies in welfare reform. Child care subsides often provide parents the necessary support needed to maintain stable employment. Panelists discussed strategies for the child care subsidy system to better serve families.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/Pressroom/thursdayschild/jan2007.cfm

Strategies to Support Child Care Subsidy Access and Retention: Ideas from Seven Midwestern States, November 2006

Childcare subsides are often key to supporting working families transition from welfare to work. This report, from the Urban Institute, reviews the childcare subsidy administration in seven Midwestern States. Authors provide strategies that are employed to increase benefits to working families by linking subsidies to other services, improving customer service practices, and simplifying application processes, to name a few.

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Investing in Low-Wage Workers: Lessons from Family Child Care in Rhode Island, September 2006

Providing childcare is one of the fastest growing occupations in the country; however, most positions are low-wage. This report discusses the mission of a group of mostly Latina and African American women living and working in some of Rhode Island’s poorest neighborhoods- charged to improve family child care for low-income families and the women providing care.

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Improper Payments in the Child Care Program, May 2006

This issue brief from the Child Care Bureau, outlines FY2006- 2007 state plans with regard to preventing, identifying and reducing improper payments among childcare assistance. Included in the plans, 48 States and DC have made provisions to find errors in eligibility to prevent improper payments.

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Child Care Subsidies and Leaving Welfare: Policy Issues and Strategies, April 2006

This report examines policy issues around subsidy use among parents who leave TANF. It includes data on what parents must do to keep subsidies as they leave TANF in 11 sites/11 states in 2001, examines existing research on welfare leavers and subsidy patterns, and reviews state policies regarding child care subsidies for welfare leavers for a range of states. This resource provides an overview of key policy issues and discusses the implications of these findings for efforts to help families move towards self-sufficiency.

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Child Care Subsidies for TANF Families: The Nexus of Systems and Policies, April 2006

From the Urban Institute, this article examines how sites around the country have integrated childcare subsidies with TANF program- as childcare assistance is often key to supporting TANF clients from welfare to work. This first report out of the study provides information around how agencies have dealt with integrating TANF and childcare services.

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Rural, Low-Income Mothers’ Strategies for Meeting Child Care Needs, April 2006

This research brief from the Rural Families Speak Project provides data on how low-income mothers in rural areas meet childcare needs while trying to maintain stable employment. Currently, the mothers of 2.7 million children are facing such difficult decisions balancing work and family life in rural areas. Researchers found that 24 percent of women were utilizing publicly funded childcare, whereas 38% of mothers were choosing to stay at home to care for their children.

For more information, please see: http://fsos.che.umn.edu/img/assets/16501/April_ChildCare_ResearchBrief.pdf

Rural, Low-Income Mothers’ Strategies for Meeting Child Care Needs, April 2006

To view or download: Download Document

Child Support

Potential Impact of Increased Child Support Distribution to Current and Former Welfare Families, May 2008

This presentation was given as part of the Eleventh Annual Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference sponsored by the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation. Laura Wheaton of the Urban Institute presented on how increased child support distribution would impact welfare families. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) includes state options that would increase the amount of child support distributed to current and former welfare families. This research examined the possibility of a $100 per month pass-through and disregard for one child and $200 per month for two+ children as well as a distribution of all Federal Tax Refund Offset (FTRO) collections to former welfare recipients.

Download PowerPoint [PDF - 126 KB]

The Potential Impact of Increasing Child Support Payments to TANF Families, January 2008

The Urban Institute authored this report, which reviews the potential impact of increasing child support payments to families receiving TANF benefits. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 provides incentives for states to distribute additional child support to TANF families. If all states initiated such a plan, child support payments to families on TANF would double and have the potential to raise annual incomes by $500.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411595_child_support.pdf

Partners for Fragile Families' Demonstration Projects: Employment and Child Support Outcomes and Trends, September 2007

Through the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Partners for Fragile Families (PFF) demonstration program intended to affect systems change to ultimately improve outcomes for both parents and children in low-income families. Specifically, this report provides data on economic and child support outcomes for the project’s participants.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411567_pff_outcomes.pdf

The Financial Impact of Child Support on TANF Families: Simulation for Selected States, July 2007

Child support is crucial for supporting low-income families; it makes up on average about 30 percent of family income. Authored by the Congressional Research Services, this report addresses the effects of adopting the changes made through the Deficit Reduction Act in terms of child support pass-through and disregard. Authors review possible indirect behavioral effects of implementing this policy.

For more information, please see: http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL34105_20070724.pdf

Compendium of Promising Practices/Good Ideas in Child Support Enforcement, January 2007

From the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Support Enforcement, this Compendium is a Federal source for learning about successful child support programs and organizational practices from around the country. OCSE provides a detailed list of successful Child Support programs as well as contact information for each site.

For more information, please see: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/pol/2007-im.html

The Effects of Welfare and Child Support Policies on Maternal Health and Wellbeing, August 2006

From the National Poverty Center, this working paper outlines the impact on welfare reform policies, such as work requirements, and child support enforcement policies on maternal health and health behavior by utilizing the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing data.

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Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) Map of State and Local IV-D Agencies

OCSE maintains a comprehensive map of all State child support enforcement web pages.

For more information, please see: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/extinf.htm#exta

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Audio Recording: Tax Policy for Low-Income Working Families, March 2008

This audio recording is from a policy forum sponsored by the Chapin Hall Center for Children and the Urban Institute. The speakers provide information on how tax programs, such as the child tax credit (CTC) and the earned income tax credit (EITC) can be refined to better support working families. The CTC distributed about $45 billion to 31 million families in 2007; however, fewer than 10 percent of families with an eligible child and earnings under $14,000 benefited from the credit. Additionally, the EITC lifts around 4 million people out of poverty annually, but many eligible families do not apply for the EITC.

For more information, please see: http://www.about.chapinhall.org/conferences/urban/mar2008/presentations.html

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - Should I Apply? The EITC Assistant Can Help, March 2008

This EITC Assistant is from the IRS and provides eligibility information for the EITC in Tax Year 2007. By providing basic income information, the program can help in determining correct filing status, determining whether children qualify, and it can also estimate the amount of credit that you may receive.

For more information, please see: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=130102,00.html

Halting the Loss of Billions of Dollars in Earned Income Tax Credit Benefits, March 2008

Written by the Children’s Defense Fund, this policy brief highlights the fact that many low-income families are losing significant money by using their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) towards Refund Anticipation Loans. According to the Internal Revenue Services, $3 billion from EITC benefits were used to fund Refund Anticipation Loans in Tax Year 2005.

For more information, please see: http://www.childrensdefense.org/site/DocServer/RAL_Report_2008.pdf?docID=6601

IRS: Publication 596 EIC, 2008

This resource is from the IRS on claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on 2007 returns. It provides a worksheet and all relevant information on claiming the EITC.

For more information, please see: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p596/index.html

Employer Guide: Educate Your Employees about Benefits They've Earned, December 2007

From Corporate Voices for Working Families, this guide was developed to assist employers in supporting employees. This guide provides information on how employers can educate their employees on programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, State Children’s Health Insurance, Food Stamps, and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

For more information, please see: http://cvworkingfamilies.org/Employerguide/employerguide.shtml

Tax Policy for Working Families, September 2007

Jason Furman, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, gave testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means on implementing fair and equitable tax policies for working families. Because America has experienced a large increase in income inequality in recent decades, Furman reviews findings from research at Brookings on tax policies and the effect that tax policy can have on the economy and families in the United States.

For more information, please see: http://www3.brookings.edu/views/testimony/furman/20070906.pdf

The Importance of the EITC to Urban Economies, July 2007

This is a speech given by Alan Berube of the Brookings Institution to Congressional staff on the benefits of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to urban economies. In this resource, Mr. Berube defines ways that members can maximize the EITC benefit to support low-income families. As well as providing significant benefits to families in cities and suburbs, the EITC has been proven to stimulate local economic activity.

For more information, please see: http://www3.brookings.edu/metro/pubs/20070713_berube.pdf

A Local Ladder for Low-Income Workers: Recent Trends in the Earned Income Tax Credit, April 2007

This study, from the Brookings Institution, utilizes data from the IRS Stakeholder, Partnerships, Education, and Communications (SPEC) division regarding EITC recipients in tax years 2000 and 2004. Researchers found that in 2004, one in six taxpayers received the EITC. The proportion of EITC recipients who filed their returns through volunteer tax sites was under 2 percent, with over 70 percent using paid preparers.

For more information, please see: http://www3.brookings.edu/metro/pubs/eitc/20070416_zipcode.pdf

Analyzing Recent State Tax Policy Choices Affecting Low-Income Working Families: The Recession and Beyond, November 2006

From the Urban Institute, this article reviews State tax policy in times of recession. Often times, tax increases carries a higher tax burden for low-income working families. However, low-income families can be protected from increases through the use of state earned income tax credits. In this policy brief, authors outline state tax changes that affected low-income families in the past four years.

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P-3 Community Foundation: Building a Community Coalition to Advance Rural Family Economic Success, July 2006

From the Annie E. Casey Foundation, this brief reviews a community foundation developed in Florida to serve low-income families. By helping families build assets by increase financial literacy and access to the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Foundation has had success in improving outcomes for low-income families in Florida.

For more information, please see: http://www.aecf.org/upload/PublicationFiles/p3_5_22c.pdf

Delivering a Local EITC: Lessons from the San Francisco Working Families Credit, May 2006

San Francisco recently implemented a local tax credit to serve as a supplement to the federal Earned Income Tax credit for working families in the city. This article, from the Brookings Institution, reviews the credit implemented on the local level and advantages to having a local tax credit to improve outcomes for low-income families.

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State Policy Options to Encourage Asset Development for Low-Income Families, February 2006

For more information, please see: http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/06StatePolicyOptionstoEncourageAssetDevelopment.pdf

The Earned Income Tax Credit at Age 30: What We Know, February 2006

This brief, from the Brookings Institution, reviews the 30 year history of the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the successes of the program as an antipoverty policy. It concludes by offering input on how the Credit can be improved to serve as a lasting anti-poverty tool for low-income families.

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Education

Strategies for Improving Out-of-School Programs in Rural Communities, May 2008

This Research-to-Results issue brief is from Child Trends, and provides information on challenges faced by rural out-of-school programs and offers strategies to improve such programs. Rural youth are less likely to complete high school and more likely to use drugs and alcohol than their urban and suburban peers. After-school programs can often help improve positive outcomes for rural youth by providing academic support as well as supporting positive relationship building.

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What Works Clearinghouse: Job Corps, April 2008

This resource is from the What Works Clearinghouse, which is through the U.S. Department of Education, and provides information on the Job Corps program. The Job Corps program is a federally-funded education and job training program for economically disadvantaged youth that offers remedial education, GED preparation, vocational training, job placement assistance, and other supportive services.

For more information, please see: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/pdf/WWC_Jobcorps_040108.pdf

Palm Beach County's Prime Time Initiative: Improving the Quality of After-School Programs, February 2008

This is a series of reports from Chapin Hall, which provide evaluation information on the Prime Time Initiative. The Initiative is an effort to strengthen the quality of after-school programs in Palm Beach County, Florida through networks of providers. The goal of the Initiative is to create an integrated and sustainable system of standards, supports, and resources for all after-school programs. Reports include the evaluations from Year 2 and Year 3 of the Initiative.

For more information, please see: http://www.chapinhall.org/article_abstract.aspx?ar=1455

What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report: New Chance, January 2008

This newsletter is from the What Works Clearinghouse and provides an overview of the New Chance program. The program supports TANF recipients who have dropped out of school through GED preparation, life skill training, parenting programs, childcare assistance, and case management. New Chance was found to be successful in helping participants complete education.

For more information, please see: http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/pdf/WWC_NewChance_012408.pdf

Early Care and Education for Children in Low-Income Families, June 2007

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411482_early_care.pdf

Low-Income and Minority Serving Institutions: Education has Taken Steps to Improve Monitoring and Assistance, but Further Progress Is Needed, June 2007

The Government Accountability Office conducted this study on low-income and minority serving institutions- including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Alaska Native Serving Institutions, Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and other postsecondary institutions that serve low-income students. GAO examined the programs to determine how institutions used their Title III and Title V grants, what objectives and strategies the Department of Education has developed for these programs, and to what extent Education monitors the grants.

For more information, please see: http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-926T

Using TANF to Finance Out-of-School Time Initiatives, June 2007

From the Finance Project, this strategy brief gives information on the use of TANF funds to finance out-of-school programs to improve outcomes for children. Authors provide information on three strategies for out-of-school initiatives for children and innovative programs from states across the country.

For more information, please see: http://www.financeproject.org/publications/TANFtoFinanceOST.pdf

Early Care and Education for Children in Low-Income Families: Patterns of Use, Quality, and Potential Policy Implications, May 2007

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411482_early_care.pdf

High Poverty Schools and the Distribution of Teachers and Principals, March 2007

This research was completed at the Stanford Institute of Public Policy, and authors review the quality of teachers in high poverty schools in North Carolina as compared to teachers in schools with more advantaged students.

For more information, please see: http://www.caldercenter.org/PDF/1001057_High_Poverty.pdf

National Poverty Center Policy Brief: Education and Health, March 2007

In this policy brief from the National Poverty Center at the University of Michigan, authors examine the relationship between education and health. The findings include evidence that better educated people have lower morbidity rates from the most common diseases in the United States. Authors conclude that education policy has the potential to improve the overall health in our country.

For more information, please see: http://npc.umich.edu/publications/policy_briefs/brief9/policy_brief9.pdf

Resilient and Reaching for More: Challenges and Benefits of Higher Education for Welfare Participants and Their Children, August 2006

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) studied TANF applicants taking part in a post-secondary education program through a local non-profit while on the TANF caseload. By interviewing students, this study explored the challenges and rewards of the program experiences of low-income mothers.

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The Condition of Education in 2006: Concentration of Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity and Poverty, June 2006

The Department of Education published this report on the concentration of enrollment in free school lunch programs by race and ethnicity. Among the findings, researchers found that 41 percent of 4th graders were eligible for the program in 2005, and larger percentages of minority populations were eligible for the program.

For more information, please see: http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2006/2006071.pdf

Paying for Persistence: Early Results of a Louisiana Scholarship Program for Low-Income Parents Attending Community College, May 2006

Through MDRC's Opening Doors Demonstration and funded by state TANF dollars, New Orleans offers programs at two community colleges to offer scholarships for low-income parents. This article reviews early findings from the program and the positive effect that it has on helping improve outcomes for low-income families.

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The Effects of Investing in Early Education on Economic Growth, April 2006

From the Brookings Institution, this policy brief reviews the impact of a universal preschool policy on economic growth. Authors conclude that a universal policy would cost the government $59 billion; however, would have the potential to add $2 trillion to the national GDP by 2080.

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Do Home Computers Improve Educational Outcomes? Evidence from the Matched Current Population Surveys and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth in 1997, March 2006

This study aimed at reviewing the correlation between home computers and educational outcomes. Specifically, it was found that teenagers with access to a computer at home are 6 to 8 percent more likely to graduate from high school. It is hypothesized that home computers reduce non-productive activities such as crime and truancy.

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State Efforts to Promote Reading and Literacy Activities in Communities, February 2006

This article for the NGA Center on Best Practices reviews why reading and literacy activities are important for States. Literary readers have been shown to be more likely than nonreaders to pursue social and civic activities such as volunteering and attending sporting events. Therefore, literary reading may enhance community life and civic engagement. This resource provides information to States on creating literacy programs.

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Food and Nutrition

Reaching Those in Need: State Food Stamp Participation Rates in 2006, November 2008

This is a fact sheet on the State Food Stamp Participation Rates in 2006, which was authored by Mathematica Policy Research, sponsored through the United States Department of Agriculture. In 2006, around 67 percent of eligible people received Food Stamps nationwide, although this varies by State. Missouri had the highest rate at 98 percent of all eligible people receiving Food Stamps, and California had to lowest at 50 percent of all eligible people receiving Food Stamps.

For more information, please see: http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/publications/pdfs/fns06rates.pdf

Modeling the Impact of the 2002-2003 Legal Immigrant Food Stamp Restorations, May 2008

This presentation was given as part of the Eleventh Annual Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference, which is sponsored through the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation. The Urban Institute conducted this research to see how many legal immigrants were affected by restorations. The data was produced from the Current Population Survey and the TRIM3 model, and the Urban Institute developed the immigrant legal status imputations. The eligibility and participation sections were modeled to reflect administrative totals.

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Household Food Security and Tradeoffs in the Food Budget of Food Stamp Program Participants: An Engel Function Approach, March 2008

This study was funded through the Department of Agriculture and provides information on food security in households that participate in the Food Stamp Program (FSP). Using data from the Current Population Survey, researchers found that Food Stamp households have higher at-home food spending and lower away-from-home-spending than comparable non-participants.

For more information, please see: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/CCR38/CCR38.pdf

The Costs of Benefit Delivery in the Food Stamp Program: Lessons From a Cross-Program Analysis, March 2008

This resource is from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and compares the Food Stamp Program (FSP) with eight other public assistance programs across four measures, which include administrative costs, error payments, program access, and benefit targeting. Specifically, results show that the Earned Income Tax Credit had lower administrative costs and higher program access rates than the Food Stamp Program, but the FSP is more successful in limiting overpayments.

For more information, please see: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/CCR39/CCR39.pdf

Are Lower Income Households Willing and Able To Budget for Fruits and Vegetables?, January 2008

This article is from the US Department of Agriculture, and provides information on food security among low-income households. This research was focused on assessing the extent to which low-income households are willing and able to budget for healthy foods. It was found that households with an income below 130 percent of the poverty line spend less money than higher income households on healthy foods.

For more information, please see: http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/err54/err54.pdf

Effect of State Food Stamp and TANF Policies on Food Stamp Program Participation, January 2008

This article is from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and uses data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) to review the effects of state food stamp, welfare, wage, and EITC policy on food stamp participation. Researchers found that policy reforms after 1999, including longer recertification periods, increased food stamp participation, but action such as fingerprinting lowered participation.

For more information, please see: http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/CCR36/CCR36.pdf

State Food Stamp Participation Rates in 2005, October 2007

Mathematica Policy Research wrote this report on food stamp participation rates in states for all eligible people and for the working poor for States for fiscal year 2005. Authors intend that these estimates can be used to assess program performance and focus efforts to improve performance. Specifically, in 2005, about 65 percent of eligible people in the U.S. received food stamp benefits.

For more information, please see: http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/publications/pdfs/fns05rates.pdf

An Overview of the Food Stamp Program in 2006, September 2007

This report, from Mathematica Policy Research, provides an overview of the Food Stamp Program in terms of eligibility requirements, benefit levels, and characteristics of Food Stamp households nationwide for fiscal year 2006. Administered by the Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service, the Food Stamp Program provides assistance for a nutritious diet to millions of individuals and families in the United States.

For more information, please see: http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/publications/redirect_pubsdb.asp?strSite=pdfs/characteristics2006.pdf

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households: Fiscal Year 2006, September 2007

This report, from Mathematica Policy Research, provides an overview of the Food Stamp Program (FSP) and demographics of families receiving these benefits. The FSP is the largest domestic food and nutrition program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service. Researchers provide national data on household and participant characteristics as well as state level data.

For more information, please see: http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/publications/redirect_pubsdb.asp?strSite=pdfs/characteristics2006.pdf

Food Insecurity and Overweight among Infants and Toddlers: New Insights into a Troubling Linkage, July 2007

Child Trends authored this research brief on food insecurity, which persists in many households across the United States with young children. While food insecurity can cause a number of negative outcomes, overweight is one of the negative consequences for children that experience food insecurity. Utilizing data from the 9-month and 24-month waves of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study – Birth Cohort (ECLS-B), authors examine the indirect links through which food insecurity may affect overweight for infants and toddlers.

For more information, please see: http://www.childtrends.org/Files//Child_Trends-2007_07_11_RB_FoodInsecurity.pdf

The Economic Cost of Domestic Hunger: Estimated Annual Burden to the United States, June 2007

Thirty-five million Americans face hunger every day, and this study shows the economic costs that hunger has on the population as a whole. This research, from Harvard, Brandeis, and Loyola Universities, shows that Americans pay $90 billion per year that accounts for hunger issues in our country. By increasing funding for food stamps and nutrition programs, it could alleviate hunger in our country, while decreasing the financial burden.

For more information, please see: http://www.helpstophunger.org/pdfs/Economic_Cost_of_Domestic_Hunger.pdf

Characteristics of Low-Income Households With Very Low Food Security: An Analysis of the USDA GPRA Food Security Indicator, May 2007

This Bulletin from the USDA reviews the characteristics of low-income households with very low food security in 2005. Food security is used to measure how effective nutrition assistance programs are meeting the needs of the population that these programs are meant to serve. As part of the strategic plan, the USDA seeks to reduce the prevalence of very low food security among low-income families.

For more information, please see: http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/eib25/eib25.pdf

Food Stamp Program: Use of Alternative Methods to Apply for and Maintain Benefits Could Be Enhanced by Additional Evaluation and Information on Promising Practices, May 2007

One in twelve people in the United States participate in the FNS-sponsored Food Stamp program. In this report, GAO examined what methods states are utilizing to increase access to the program, results of such methods, and what actions states have taken to maintain program integrity while implementing alternative methods.

For more information, please see: http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-573

Empirical Bayes Shrinkage Estimates of State Food Stamp Participation Rates in 2002-2004 for All Eligible People and the Working Poor, April 2007

This report is from Mathematica Policy Research, and offers estimates for each state on the need for the Food Stamp program from 2002 to 2004. Researchers utilized data from empirical Bayes shrinkage estimation methods and data from the Current Population Survey, the decennial census, and administrative records.

For more information, please see: http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/publications/redirect_pubsdb.asp?strSite=pdfs/EmpBayes02-04Rpt.pdf

The Effect of State Food Stamp and TANF Policies on Food Stamp Program Participation, March 2007

The Urban Institute published this paper on the effects of food stamp and welfare policy, the minimum wage, and the EITC on the food stamp benefit receipt of the low-income population. Authors found that more lenient immigrant eligibility rules, simplified reporting, implementation of the EBT program, and outreach spending increase food stamp receipt.

For more information, please see: http://urban.org/UploadedPDF/411438_Food_Stamp.pdf

A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America's Cities: A 23-City Survey, December 2006

From the U.S. Conference of Mayors, this study profiles 23 cities across the United States on hunger and homelessness. Researchers collected data surrounding the demand for emergency food assistance and emergency shelter use, causes of hunger and homelessness, demographics of the population needing these support services, promising practices to respond to hunger and homelessness, affordable housing in the city, and potential implications for the future.

For more information, please see: http://www.usmayors.org/hungersurvey/2006/report06.pdf

Characteristics of Food Stamp Households: Fiscal Year 2005, September 2006

From the USDA, this resource provides a overview of the Food Stamp Program for FY 2005. The largest of the USDA's Food and Nutrition Services, this overview provides eligibility requirements, benefit levels, and nationwide data on the characteristics of food stamp households.

For more information, please see: http://www.fns.usda.gov/oane/menu/Published/snap/FILES/Participation/2005Characteristics.pdf

Economic Hardships and Food Insecurity: Findings from the Milwaukee TANF Applicant Study, August 2006

From the Milwaukee TANF Applicant Study, this article from Chapin Hall provides information on the economic well being of low-income families about material hardships they may have experienced. Data shows that at least a quarter of TANF leaver families experience food-and housing-related hardships.

For more information, please see: http://www.chapinhall.org/article_abstract.aspx?ar=1339

Food Stamp Participation and Market Access in the District of Columbia, July 2006

This issue brief outlines the demographics of the 45,000 low-income households receiving food stamps in Washington DC. Additionally, the Urban Institute reviewed the average distance between the clients' households to the closest supermarket, concluding that the most affordable options may no be the most accessible to low-income neighborhoods.

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Food Stamp Participation Rates: 2004, June 2006

This article reviews the effectiveness of the food stamp program by assessing the extent to which the program can reach its target population. In 2004, 38 million people were eligible for food stamps in any given month, and only 23 million participated in the program. Participation rates were higher among lower income families and among families on TANF and SSI, following past trends.

For more information, please see: http://www.fns.usda.gov/oane/menu/Published/snap/FILES/Participation/FSPPart2004.pdf

The Impact of Food Insecurity on the Development of Young Low-Income Black and Latino Children- Protecting the Health and Nutrition of Young Children of Color: The Impact of Nutrition Assistance and Income Support Programs, May 2006

From the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Health Policy Institute, this article reviews the link between food insecurity and child development among low-income Black and Latino children under the age of three. Utilizing data from the Children's Sentinel Nutrition Assessment Program (C-SNAP), researchers conclude that food insecurity is linked to developmental risk, which can include developmental delay.

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Evaluation of Food Stamp Research Grants to Improve Access Through New Technology and Partnerships: Executive Report, February 2006

This article, through the Urban Institute, reviews information on the Food Stamp Program, which provided $200 a month on average to participating households during fiscal year 2004. However, many eligible families do not enroll in the program. The authors summarize the effectiveness of 18 local outreach projects to reach out to those who do not apply for the program through technology and partnerships.

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Hunger in America 2006: A Report on Emergency Food Distribution in the United States in 2005, February 2006

This study found that more than 25 million people in the United States use food banks and food-rescue organizations in the America's Second Harvest network each year. Mathematica conducted this survey of 30,000 charitable agencies and 52,000 individuals across the country to assess hunger in the United States, including demographics of the needy population and food bank use.

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Health

Telephone Care Management for Medicaid Recipients with Depression: A Randomized Control Trial, May 2008

This presentation was given as part of the Eleventh Annual Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference, which is sponsored through the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation. MDRC conducted this research to test how telephone care management can serve Medicaid recipients with depression. Clinical depression affects 17 million adults across the country, and the rate is higher among Medicaid recipients. After six months, it was found that there was no significant effect on average depression scores so far, and there were larger effects on treatment and depression for the Latino subgroup.

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State Children's Health Insurance Program: Program Structure, Enrollment and Expenditure Experiences, and Outreach Approaches for States That Cover Adults, November 2007

This report from the Government Accountability Office reviews the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Authors provide information on how states cover adults under SCHIP, approaches employed by states to reach all individuals eligible for SCHIP and how states have evaluated their outreach approaches.

For more information, please see: http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-50

Children's Health Status: Examining the Associations Among Income Poverty, Material Hardship and Parental Factors, September 2007

Researchers at the Department of Human Development, California State University East Bay, conducted this study examining a model of income poverty, material hardship, parenting factors, and child health status to understand how material hardship and parental factors mediate the effects of poverty on child health. Utilizing data from the 2002 National Survey of American Families, researchers found that poverty has an independent effect on health, and its effects are partially explained by material hardship, parental depression and parental behaviors.

For more information, please see: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?artid=1978512&blobtype=pdf

Access to Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance among Low-Income Families: Who Has Access and Who Doesn’t?, August 2007

Lack of employer-sponsored health insurance can affect the productivity of workers and the health of their families. This paper is from the Urban Institute and offers information on access to employer-sponsored health insurance. By evaluating low-income working families, with incomes below 200 percent of the poverty level, the researchers examine patterns of access for health insurance.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411533_fringe_benefits.pdf

Spotlight on Uninsured Parents: How a Lack of Coverage Affects Parents and Their Families, June 2007

From the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation, this research brief uses data from a 2005 study to examine health coverage, access and the financial impacts of health care for low-income parents and their families. It was found that low-income uninsured parents are mostly without access to health coverage and are much more likely to have uninsured children than those with insurance. In fact, four in ten low-income parents are without access to health coverage and are much more likely to have uninsured children than those with insurance.

For more information, please see: http://www.kff.org/uninsured/upload/7662.pdf

Case Study of Michigan: Exploring Medicaid and SCHIP Enrollment Trends and Their Links to Policy and Practice, May 2007

Through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), this case study reviews Medicaid and SCHIP enrollment trends in Michigan from 1999 to 2003. Additionally, it looks at the activities in Michigan under the Covering Kids and Families (CKF) project through RWJF, and enrollments associated with the CKF grant as well as state and local policy changes during that time.

For more information, please see: http://www.rwjf.org/files/publications/other/CKFcaseStudy0507.pdf

Medicaid: Concerns Remain about Sufficiency of Data for Oversight of Children's Dental Services, May 2007

GAO conducted this study on dental services for children on Medicaid because the 31 million children on Medicaid are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay, which, if untreated, may lead to more serious health conditions. Research looked at the data that CMS requires states to report on the provision of dental services. Children on Medicaid should have access to services to treat dental disease, as these services are critical for ensuring that children and adolescents are healthy and prepared to learn.

For more information, please see: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07826t.pdf

Protecting Public Health and Human Services Programs: A 30-Year Retrospective, April 2007

This resource is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and provides information on OIG’s Initiatives from the last 30 years. OIG has continued to work in audit, investigative, and evaluative oversight of Medicare, Medicaid, and the group of public health agencies that comprise HHS. The Office is also confronting new issues in public health under the recent Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, emergency preparedness and response and health information technology initiatives.

For more information, please see: http://www.oig.hhs.gov/publications/docs/retrospective/AnniversaryPub.pdf

Race, Ethnicity & Health Care Fact Sheet, April 2007

This fact sheet, from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, provides an overview of the health African American men, including mortality rates, health status, insurance coverage, and access to care. Authors find that African American adult men are more likely to lack health insurance than boys, as are adult men in the Midwest and the South, compared to the Northeast and the West.

For more information, please see: http://www.kff.org/minorityhealth/upload/7630.pdf

National Poverty Center Policy Brief: Education and Health, March 2007

For more information, please see: http://npc.umich.edu/publications/policy_briefs/brief9/policy_brief9.pdf

Coverage Patterns among SCHIP-Eligible Children and Their Parents, February 2007

Utilizing the 2005 Current Population Survey data, this Urban Institute brief examines national patterns of coverage among families with SCHIP eligible children. One important issue with SCHIP Reauthorization is that the SCHIP program does not reach all of those eligible for the program. It was estimated in 2002 that 3 million children were uninsured despite SCHIP eligibility.

For more information, please see: http://urban.org/UploadedPDF/311420_Coverage_Patterns.pdf

Making Health Care a Reality for Low-Income Children and Families, February 2007

Mathematica authored this brief, which is an evaluation of the Covering Kids and Families Initiative- funded through the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation to increase the use of SCHIP for low-income families. Specifically, this brief offers information on best practices for expanding the span of the SCHIP program and increasing enrollment in the SCHIP and Medicaid programs.

For more information, please see: http://www.allhealth.org/briefingmaterials/MakingHealthCareaReality-559.pdf

The 2007 Report to the Secretary: Rural Health and Human Service Issues, January 2007

The National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services authored this document on rural health and human services in the United States. This report examines the following key topics: Medicare Advantage, Head Start, and substance abuse. Findings confirm the difficulty of implementing human services in rural areas.

For more information, please see: ftp://ftp.hrsa.gov/ruralhealth/NACReport2007.pdf

Covering Kids and Families (CKF), November 2006

The Covering Kids and Families Initiative, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, utilizes state and local coalitions to increase enrollment in health insurance of uninsured, low-income children and adults. Mathematica conducted four case study evaluations of the program’s impact in Arkansas, Virginia, California, and New Jersey, which can be accessed below.

"Case Study of Arkansas: Exploring Medicaid and SCHIP Enrollment Trends and Their Links to Policy and Practice. Covering Kids and Families Evaluation."

"Case Study of Virginia: Exploring Medicaid and SCHIP Enrollment Trends and Their Links to Policy and Practice. Covering Kids and Families Evaluation."

"Case Study of California: Exploring Medicaid and SCHIP Enrollment Trends and Their Links to Policy and Practice. Covering Kids and Families Evaluation."

"Case Study of New Jersey: Exploring Medicaid and SCHIP Enrollment Trends and Their Links to Policy and Practice. Covering Kids and Families Evaluation."

Health Coverage for Low-Income Americans: An Evidence-Based Approach to Public Policy, October 2006

This article, from the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, reviews the evidence relating to the health insurance with the prevalence of uninsured Americans, which reached 46.1 million in 2005. Due to the high costs of private insurance, many low-income families cannot afford health insurance. The following report reviews the policy debate on health insurance coverage for the low-income population.

To view or download: http://www.kff.org/uninsured/upload/7476.pdf

The Rising Prevalence of Severe Poverty in America: A Growing Threat to Public Health, October 2006

While the poverty rate has increased in the United States since 2000, this study examined the depth of poverty experienced. Severe poverty can have significant public health concern, and between 2000 and 2004, severe poverty increased dramatically. Health effects include chronic illnesses, more frequent and acute disease complications, and increased costs for health services.

To view or download: http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0749-3797/PIIS0749379706002339.pdf

Welfare Reform and Indirect Impacts on Health, October 2006

Replacing the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program in 1996, TANF brought about many changes for States implementing cash assistance programs. The goals of this reform was to increase work, reduce births outside marriage, and to increase the formation of two parent families. This paper, from the National Poverty Center, summarizes research on the impact of welfare reform on health insurance, health care utilization, and health status.

To view or download: http://npc.umich.edu/publications/u/working_paper06-40.pdf

No Shelter from the Storm: American's Uninsured Children, September 2006

One out of five uninsured American is a child, which equates to 9 million uninsured children in the United States. This report, from the Children's Health Campaign, examines the demographics of uninsured children and consequences for these children for the future.

To view or download: http://www.childrenshealthcampaign.org/tools/reports/Uninsured-Kids-report.PDF

Community Health Workers: Closing Gaps in Families' Health Resources, March 2006

The National Assembly's Family Strengthening Policy Center released this brief on the role that community health workers can play with helping families manage health. Community health workers are trained paraprofessionals who serve as health and human service resource persons in their communities. The brief includes recommendations to help these people become an effective component of health and human services and serving low income families.

To view or download: http://www.nassembly.org/fspc/practice/documents/Brief14.pdf

Santa Clara County Children's Health Initiative Outreach and Enrollment Efforts Are Effective and Helpful to Parents, February 2006

The Santa Clara County Children's Health Initiative (CHI) is an outreach program to expand children's health insurance. The goal of the effort is to make certain that children enroll for all the programs that they are eligible. Overall, parents consistently reported positive feedback about the application process and outreach efforts.

To view or download: http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/publications/redirect_pubsdb.asp?strSite=pdfs/chiparents.pdf

Housing/Economic Development

The Effects of Inclusionary Zoning on Local Housing Markets: Lessons from the San Francisco, Washington D.C. and Suburban Boston Areas, April 2008

From the Center on Housing Policy, this issue brief provides an overview of inclusionary zoning (IZ), which is an affordable housing tool that links affordable housing production into the production of market-rate housing. Authors offer an overview of IZ practices in San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Boston.

For more information, please see: http://www.nhc.org/pdf/pub_chp_iz_brief08.pdf

Evaluation of LA's HOPE: Ending Chronic Homelessness through Employment and Housing: Final Report, March 2008

The LA HOPE project is designed to support clients in permanent supportive housing transition into gainful employment. The project provides a safety net to address barriers to self-sufficiency, which includes long-term substance abuse barriers. This resource is an evaluation of the program that was conducted by the Urban Institute.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411631_la_hope.pdf

The Second Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, March 2008

This is the Second Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress completed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This resource provides characteristics and patterns of shelter use as well as data on unsheltered homeless people on a given night. Additionally, authors provide information on the capacity of the United States to house the homeless and information on where the homeless are most likely to receive shelter.

For more information, please see: http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1075&context=dennis_culhane

Characteristics and Dynamics of Homeless Families with Children, October 2007

This report was completed through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and the Office of Human Services Policy. Researchers review data on homeless families with children, and identified knowledge gaps on homeless families among existing research. The report provides a wide range of data, which includes information on receipt of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

For more information, please see: http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/homelessness/improving-data08/report.pdf

New Housing, Income Inequality, and Distressed Metropolitan Areas, September 2007

This report is from the Brookings Institution and reviews income inequality and new housing construction in 215 metropolitan areas. Findings show that between 1970 and 2000, distressed and non-distressed metropolitan areas with rapidly growing income inequality also had rapidly growing segregation by income. Researchers suggest that policies to reduce income inequality can help reduce overbuilding and income segregation in distressed areas.

For more information, please see: http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/rc/reports/2007/09newhousing_watson/09newhousing_watson.pdf

Affordable Rental Housing in Healthy Communities: Rebuilding After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, August 2007

This report, from the Urban Institute, offers an update on affordable rental housing in Louisiana after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. It was estimated that 36 percent of homeowner stock and 56 percent of rental stock was damaged or destroyed. Authors offer information on rental housing policy and promising practices for addressing the challenges facing low-income renters returning to their communities.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411514_affordable_rental_housing.pdf

Outcomes for Clients in the Metro Boston Area Receiving Services to Retain Housing under the Special Homeless Initiative, August 2007

From the Urban Institute, this paper is an evaluation of the Special Homeless Initiative (HI) of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. The Homeless Initiative was designed to prevent and end homelessness among the most vulnerable clients and clients with serious mental illness. This is the third report in the evaluation series and provides data on client outcomes from the Initiative.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411516_metro_boston_housing.pdf

Promoting Homeownership among Low-Income Households, August 2007

The Urban Institute authored this report on findings from the Opportunity and Ownership Project. Information in this report is provided on housing reforms necessary to support low-income families. Researchers argue that shifting public funds from programs that subsidize rental housing projects to a revised voucher program would increase homeownership among low-income households.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411523_promoting_homeownership.pdf

Vouchers for Housing and Child Care: Common Challenges and Emerging Strategies, August 2007

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411547_vouchers_housing_child.pdf

History, Principles, Context, and Approach: The Special Homeless Initiative of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, July 2007

The Department of Mental Health in Massachusetts is committed to preventing homelessness for people with serious mental illness. From the Urban Institute, this report is the beginning of an evaluation of the Homelessness Initiative, and provides an overview of the history of the Initiative for the last 15 years.

For more information, please see: http://urban.org/UploadedPDF/411500_special_homeless_initative.pdf

Relocation Is Not Enough: Employment Barriers among HOPE VI Families, June 2007

The HOPE VI program seeks to improve economic self-sufficiency among original residents of severely distressed public housing developments. Through the HOPE VI Panel Study, the Urban Institute tracked residents from five sites where relocation began in 2001. At the baseline, 48 percent of the working-age respondents were not employed, which was the same share at the 2003 and 2005 follow-ups. In this brief, authors explore reasons for the lack of change.

For more information, please see: http://urban.org/UploadedPDF/311491_HOPEVI_Employment.pdf

Leveraging Federal Funds for Housing, Community, and Economic Development, May 2007

This GAO report reviews leveraging federal dollars for federal housing, community, and economic development programs. Leveraging funds can be useful for financing affordable housing and community and economic development programs, but can have limitations.

For more information, please see: http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-768R

Promoting Neighborhood Improvement while Protecting Low-Income Families, May 2007

The Urban Institute reviews the affects of gentrification on the welfare of low-income families, and offer strategies for preserving housing in the neighborhoods. Such strategies include creating a market for rent options or insurance against rising rental costs, and offering financial instruments to insure builders, preserve and increase the development of affordable housing.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/311457_Promoting_Neighborhood.pdf

Testing a Typology of Family Homelessness Based on Patterns of Public Shelter Utilization in Four U.S. Jurisdictions: Implications for Policy and Program Planning, May 2007

This study tests family homelessness based on patterns of public shelter use and examines whether family characteristics are associated with homelessness. It was found that 20% of homeless families are in shelters for longer periods, and some cycle in and out of shelters. The families with repeat stays have the highest rates of intensive behavioral health treatment, placement of children in foster care, disability, and unemployment.

For more information, please see: http://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1069&context=spp_papers

Fact Checker: Rural Homelessness, April 2007

This Fact Checker from the National Alliance to End Homelessness provides the latest numbers on rural homelessness. The number of people who experience rural homelessness is unknown, but the last national count of homeless people found that nine percent live in rural areas. Authors offer recommendations for mitigating rural homelessness through prevention strategies.

For more information, please see: http://naeh.org/content/general/detail/1613

Chronic Homelessness, March 2007

This brief is from the National Alliance to End Homelessness and provides information on chronic homelessness in the United States. Authors summarize the interaction between emergency shelters, health care systems, and criminal justice and chronic homelessness, and conclude with the benefits and cost effectiveness of permanent supportive housing.

For more information, please see: http://naeh.org/content/general/detail/1060

Family Homelessness, March 2007

The National Alliance to End Homelessness authored this resource on family homelessness in the United States. Every year 600,000 families- including 1.35 million children- experience homelessness in the United States. Authors provide strategies to mitigate family homelessness, which include prevention, housing first programs, targeted services, housing assistance, and planning through data.

For more information, please see: http://naeh.org/content/general/detail/1525

HUD’s Homeless Assistance Programs, March 2007

This report outlines the history of homelessness funding and federal spending to alleviate homelessness in the United States. To support the McKinney program and to tackle chronic homelessness, authors estimate that $1.8 billion is needed in FY2008.

For more information, please see: http://naeh.org/content/general/detail/1528

Subsidized Housing and Employment: Building Evidence about What Works to Improve Self-Sufficiency, March 2007

From MDRC, this paper calls for a stronger base of evidence in the housing-employment policy arena through expanding the use of randomized controlled trials. Authors argue that such evidence could provide more information on best practices in subsidized housing and employment programs.

For more information, please see: http://www.mdrc.org/publications/446/full.pdf

The Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, February 2007

From the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, this is the annual homeless assessment report to Congress. In 2005, it was estimated that on any given day, 335,000 people were residing in shelters or transitional housing, and about 338,781 were unsheltered. Additionally, researchers found that in 2005, forty-seven percent of all sheltered homeless people were adult men.

For more information, please see: http://www.huduser.org/Publications/pdf/ahar.pdf

Homelessness Counts, January 2007

This research report, from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, discusses measurement and data gathering strategies to measure efforts to alleviate homelessness. While there is a recent charge to end chronic homelessness in local communities, this article provides baseline information for comparison purposes. As of January 2005, it is estimated that 744,313 people experienced homelessness- 56% of which residing in shelters and transitional housing and 44% unsheltered.

For more information, please see: http://www.endhomelessness.org/content/general/detail/1440

Research Reports on Homelessness in America: A New Vision, What is in Community Plans to End Homelessness?, November 2006

Homelessness remains an issue in the United States. While soup kitchens, shelters, and transitional housing can provide temporary relief to the issue, homelessness remains an alarming social problem. This report, from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, examines research and programs from communities in the country to formulate this plan to address homelessness.

To view or download: http://www.naeh.org/content/article/detail/1397

A Heavy Load: The Combined Housing and Transportation Burdens of Working Families, October 2006

This study, from the Center for Housing Policy, found that the average working family residing in a city spends 57 percent of their annual income on transportation and housing costs. Low-to-moderate income working families are being forced to reside further outside city centers due to housing costs, but families are spending as much or more on transportation costs than they are saving on housing costs.

To view or download: http://www.nhc.org/pdf/pub_heavy_load_10_06.pdf

Promising Strategies to End Family Homelessness, May 2006

From the National Alliance to End Homelessness, this article reveals that when asked, many Americans underestimate the problem of homelessness in the US. This piece reviews best practices on strategies to reduce family homeless from Washington DC, Columbus, Hennepin County, MN, Westchester, Massachusetts, and New York City.

To view or download: http://www.endhomelessness.org/content/general/detail/999

Housing in Rural America, March 2006

This brief reviews poverty and housing issues in rural America. Issues include affordability, quality, and access to mortgage loans. Approximately 5.2 million, just under one-quarter of rural households pay more than 30 percent of their monthly income for housing costs.

To view or download: http://www.ruralhome.org/manager/uploads/HousinginRuralAmerica_2.pdf

Predicting Staying In or Leaving Permanent Supportive Housing That Serves Homeless People with Serious Mental Illness, March 2006

From the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, this article uses longitudinal data to evaluate trends among those who leave permanent housing and those who stay. Not surprisingly, those who were more likely to stay in permanent supportive housing accessed more service than those who left.

To view or download: http://www.huduser.org/Publications/pdf/permhsgstudy.pdf

Strategies for Preventing Homelessness, February 2006

This article reviews community prevention strategies that reduce the number of homeless people in local areas. Best practices included targeting through control of eligibility screening, developing community motivation, maximize resources, foster leadership, and ensuring access to data systems to track progress.

To view or download: http://urban.org/UploadedPDF/1000874_preventing_homelessness.pdf

Individual Development Accounts

Effects of IDAs on Low-Income Asset-Building: Estimates from the Assets for Independence Act, May 2008

This presentation was given as part of the Eleventh Annual Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference, which is sponsored through the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation. Abt Associates gave this presentation on the impact and process study on the Assets for Independence (AFI) program. The Assets for Independence (AFI) Act was enacted in October 1998, and authorized up to $25 million annually for individual development account (IDA) demonstration projects. The goal of this research was to see how much impact AFI had on low-income families in terms of home ownership, micro enterprise, or postsecondary education.

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Assets for Independence Act Evaluation, Impact Study: Final Report, February 2008

This report provides the first national estimates of the effects of individual development accounts (IDAs) on participants in the largest federally funded IDA program: the Assets for Independence (AFI) Program. IDAs are personal savings accounts targeted to low-income persons that encourage participants to save for specific types of assets by providing matching funds when the accountholder makes withdrawals for an allowable asset purchase. The 1996 welfare reform act (Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act) authorized States to administer and fund IDA projects with Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program funds, and it allowed a participant’s IDA savings to be exempt from determining eligibility for federal means-tested government assistance.

For more information, please see: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/afi/AFI_Final_Impact_Report.pdf

Assets for Independence Act Evaluation, Process Study: Final Report, February 2008

This report provides key findings from case studies developed on 14 Assets for Independence (AFI)-funded individual development account (IDA) projects. IDAs are personal savings accounts targeted to low-income persons that encourage participants to save for specific types of assets by providing matching funds when the account holder makes withdrawals for an allowable asset purchase. The 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act authorized States to administer and fund IDA projects with Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program funds, and allowed a participant’s IDA savings to be exempt from determining eligibility for federal means-tested government assistance.

For more information, please see: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/afi/AFI_Final_Process_Study.pdf

The Effects of Welfare and IDA Program Rules on the Asset Holdings of Low-Income Families, October 2007

From the Urban Institute, this report is the first in a series on poverty, asset building strategies, and social policy. Researchers review eligibility requirements for TANF, Food Stamps, IDAs, and the EITC on asset holdings for low-educated single mothers and their families.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411558_ida_program.pdf

Assessing Asset Data on Low-Income Households, September 2007

From the Urban Institute, this report is part of a series on the importance of asset building for low-income families. Specifically, authors identify the most reliable data sources for conducting research on the low-income population and asset holdings. Additionally, this resource provides an overview on how sources can be improved to best understand data on assets.

For more information, please see: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411559_low_income_households.pdf

Kinship Care

Supporting Kinship Families: What State Policymakers Can Do, December 2007

From the National Governor’s Association, Center for Best Practices, this is an archived webcast that provides information from experts and states on kinship care and the importance of kinship care for families. Currently, 2.5 million children reside with grandparents or other relatives, and research has shown that children in kinship care placement are more likely to have positive outcomes than in other types of placements.

For more information, please: Click Here

Supporting Kinship Care: Promising Practices and Lessons Learned, November 2007

This report is from Casey Family Programs and offers information on how systems can support kinship care. Specifically, authors provide successful strategies that have been developed to support kinship families and to improve the lives of children and families involved with the child welfare system. The report includes each strategy in the framework, challenges faced, and success of each strategy.

For more information, please see: http://www.casey.org/NR/rdonlyres/921D1BF0-EA29-4A5B-9954-59EF39100FFC/1251/BSCKinship_FNL.pdf

Online Resource for Relative Caregivers, July 2007

From the American Bar Association’s Center on Children and the Law, this Resource Center provides information for practitioners working with kinship families in the legal system. Currently, more than six million children are being raised in households headed by grandparents or other relatives. The Resource Center offers information on financial assistance, statutory preferences, educational consent, kinship navigator programs, licensing policies, and medical consent.

For more information, please see: http://www.abanet.org/child/kinshipcare.shtml

Highlights of Recent Kinship Care State Legislative Enactments, June 2007

This document from the National Conference of State Legislatures highlights recently enacted State legislation addressing kinship care for children receiving child welfare services. Authors provide an overview of services provided by States in support of relative caregivers raising children.

For more information, please see: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/cyf/kinshiphigh.htm

Valuing the Invaluable: A New Look at the Economic Value of Family Caregiving, June 2007

This brief from the AARP reviews unpaid caregiving in the US. In 2006, unpaid caregiving had an estimated economic value of $350 billion. Caregivers estimated spending $2400 per year for family caregiving, which increases the need to provide better supports for family caregivers to improve the health care system, long-term care system, and economy.

For more information, please see: http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/il/inb142_caregiving.pdf

Tools for Permanency: Kinship Care, 2007

The National Resource Center for Foster Care and Permanency Planning authored this toolkit on kinship care as a strategy to promote permanency for children and families in the child welfare system. Kinship care has grown among families in the United States, and researchers have found that placements with relatives tend to last longer than non-relative placements.

For more information, please see: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfcpp/downloads/tools/kinship-tool.pdf

Mentoring

Making a Difference in Schools: The Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based Mentoring Impact Study, August 2007

School-based mentoring programs are the fastest growing form of mentoring in the country, and serve many vulnerable students by providing additional support. This report, from Public/Private Ventures, is an evaluation of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, which is currently serving about 126,000 children nationwide through mentoring.

For more information, please see: http://ppv.org/ppv/publications/assets/219_publication.pdf

Positive Support: Mentoring and Depression Among High-Risk Youth, June 2006

In 2002, 2.3 million youth were arrested for committing crimes. Specifically, low-income urban neighborhoods experience higher rates of juvenile delinquency. These high risk youth experiences problems in school, in the workforce, and developing healthy relationships. To reduce the impact of delinquency on youth, this article reviews mentoring as a deterrent to high risk youth engaging in risky behaviors.

To view or download: http://www.ppv.org/ppv/publications/assets/202_publication.pdf

Transportation

Affordable Car Ownership Programs: Transporting Families toward Financial Stability and Success, January 2007

This issue brief from the Annie E. Casey Foundation provides information on car ownership programs for low-income families to support job stability. This resource offers information on local programs around the country that provide low-income families with the opportunity to own their own vehicle. Often times, transportation can help support families in rural areas that lack public transportation options.

For more information, please see: http://www.aecf.org/upload/PublicationFiles/RF3622H1402.pdf

On the Road: Car Ownership as an Asset-Building Strategy for Reducing Transportation-Related Barriers to Work, 2001

This is a report on car ownership as a strategy for helping people move into the labor market and helping low-wage workers gain access to better paying opportunities. It gives profiles and experiences of seven car-ownership programs, along with a bibliography of additional publications on transportation and poverty.

For more information, please see: http://www.aecf.org/upload/publicationfiles/on%20the%20road.pdf

Did You Know?

Employment Supports/Asset Building

RESEARCH AND EVALUATIONS

General Topic

Child Care

Child Support

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Education

Food and Nutrition

Health

Housing/Economic Development

Individual Development Accounts

Kinship Care

Mentoring

Transportation