This report presents findings from an in-depth qualitative exploration of adults’ perceptions of the threats facing children. Surveys were conducted with geographically, ethnically, and age-diverse group of parents, step-parents, grandparents, step-grandparents, grown siblings, aunts, uncles and other adults (n=100) on a wide range of topics including: top perceived threats to the welfare, wellness and well-being of today’s children, barriers currently in their path can interfere with the future of young people, physical and emotional issues, including health, obesity, bullying, and teen…
This paper discusses the need for targeted public investment in children’s mental and behavioral health and opportunities presented by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) for promoting children’s cognitive, affective, and behavioral health. The following points are made: emphases within the ACA for prevention and coordination of care enable more family focus, or the two-generation framework, however, important gaps remain that threaten the reach of evidence-based, family-focused health care and ultimately, healthy development; there are untapped opportunities to deliver…
The Responsible Fatherhood, Healthy Marriage and Family Strengthening Grants for Incarcerated and Reentering Fathers and Their Partners (MFS-IP) initiative was established in 2006 by the federal Office of Family Assistance (OFA), and required grantees serve fathers who were either incarcerated or recently released, as well as their spouses or committed partners. The grantees were required to deliver services to support healthy marriage and were also permitted to provide activities designed to improve parenting and support economic stability. From 2006 to 2011, the 12 MFS-IP sites delivered a…
In 2012, the Tennessee Department of Health included the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) module in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a telephone survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to analyze how ACEs affect the State’s general population. This report summarizes the findings from the analysis that indicate ACEs are widespread, common, and prevalent in Tennessee. Overall, 52% of the statewide population had at least one ACE, while 21% had three or more ACEs. Emotional abuse and parental separation or divorce rank as the most common…
The McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University Silver School of Social Work recently partnered with the National Council for Behavioral Health to facilitate a yearlong Learning Community (LC), a promising methodology for helping organizations adopt and sustain practices and principles of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). A total of 32 behavioral health organizations were enrolled in the LC, 92% of which reported having implemented trauma-informed care in at least six of the National Council’s seven TIC domains by the end of the LC, and 100% of which reported improving…
The Parents and Children Together (PACT) evaluation, conducted by Mathematica Policy Research for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is examining a set of Responsible Fatherhood (RF) and Healthy Marriage (HM) grantees funded by ACF’s Office of Family Assistance (OFA). One part of the evaluation—the qualitative study—focuses on the views and experiences of fathers who voluntarily enroll and participate in RF programs. This report describes themes and findings from the first round of in-depth interviews conducted as part of the…
Building Financial Capability: A Planning Guide for Integrated Services, is an interactive guide for community-based organizations interested in integrating financial capability services into existing programs (e.g. housing, job training, or Head Start). The interactive tools in the guide walk organizations step-by-step through the process of developing an integration plan, beginning with developing a deeper understanding of clients’ financial circumstances and which financial capability services can help them improve their situations. The guide also includes tools to help organizations…
This report highlights policy strategies that have shown promise in improving outcomes for children and families of color in child welfare systems. The strategic areas for policy development outlined in this report include: analyzing and using data, including collecting data by race, ethnicity, Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) eligibility, gender identity and age and the supporting data analysis on the interplay of these categories; supporting families with appropriate services and resources, including investing in the development of the evidence needed to create effective solutions for…
State of the World's Fathers is the world's first report to provide a global view of the state of men's contributions to parenting and caregiving. It brings together key international research findings along with program and policy examples related to men’s participation in caregiving; in sexual and reproductive health and rights; in maternal, newborn, and child health; in violence and violence prevention; and in child development. To achieve full gender equality and maximum well-being for children, changes are needed in policies, in systems and institutions, among service providers, within…
State of the World's Fathers is the world's first report to provide a global view of the state of men's contributions to parenting and caregiving. It brings together key international research findings along with program and policy examples related to men’s participation in caregiving; in sexual and reproductive health and rights; in maternal, newborn, and child health; in violence and violence prevention; and in child development. To achieve full gender equality and maximum well-being for children, changes are needed in policies, in systems and institutions, among service providers, within…
