Brief
Housing security is an important component of economicand emotional wellbeing, particularly among disadvantagedpopulations. Among those returning from incarceration,stable housing is especially critical. This brief contributes to our knowledge of the challenges faced by ex-prisoners (particularly urban fathers) upon re-entry in two ways. First, it examines the relationship between recent incarceration and housing insecurity net of other factors known to characterize social and economic disadvantage. Second, it investigates the extent to which the association between incarceration and housing…
Brief
Out of wedlock births, divorce, and repartnering havebecome increasingly common in America, contributing togreater complexity in family structures. In fact, one-thirdof American children are expected to live with a nonbiologicalparental figure, usually a social father, at somepoint in their lives. As these experiences become moreprevalent, policy makers and public advocates need tounderstand the dynamics and effects of various kinds ofparental relationships.A widespread belief, reflected in training materialsfrom the Department of Health and Human Services forChild Protective Services (CPS)…
Brief
Low rates of health insurance among low-income, workingage men are disproportionately high (as compared withwomen of similar ages and older men), reflecting the factthat these men have few options for private or publicinsurance. Lack of insurance is a serious concern insofaras low-income men have higher mortality rates thanlow-income women of similar ages. They also have higherprevalence rates for conditions like hypertension, highcholesterol and unhealthy weight, which put them at riskfor other health problems. Low-income men are more likelyto die from health conditions like diabetes, stroke…
Brief
Little is known empirically about the implications of parental incarceration for children. This policy brief summarizes research examining the effects of paternal incarceration on several measures of children's school readiness, identifies circumstances that increase or mitigate children's risk, and identifies family processes that mediate incarceration's effects, presenting opportunities for policy and service intervention. (Author abstract modified)
Brief
This research brief discusses findings from the Fragile Families Study (FFS) on the involvement of unmarried fathers with their babies during the first year. It compares the involvement of fathers in Newark, New Jersey with other unmarried fathers and offers recommendations for programming that would encourage father involvement. Findings from the study indicate 96% of the unmarried fathers in Newark said they wanted to be involved in their children's lives, and that fathers who were older, not born in the United States, were employed, had no children by other partners, had no history of…
Brief
This tip sheet explains the financial realities of divorce. It advises parents on what information is acceptable to share with children during the child support process. It suggests one way to reduce post-divorce conflict over money through an example of one agency in Ohio.
Brief
Good communication is one of the most critical parenting skills. Teenagers struggle with autonomy and attachment throughout adolescence. This tip sheet provides guidelines for effective communication with teenagers. It explains that parents can develop an atmosphere for communication by co-creating a foundation of trust and openness.
Brief
This tip sheet offers ten tips for parents related to guidelines on dating and parental expectations. It encourages parents to talk with their children about sex, and that it will not encourage them to become sexually active. It explains the importance of parental involvement and role modeling.
Brief
This tip sheet provides the risk factors and warning signs of suicide in young adults. It stipulates that the depression that precedes suicide is treatable. It also provides resources for anyone contemplating suicide and offers ways to help in a suicide crisis.
Brief
This tip sheet provides a basic plan that schools, community professionals, and youth leaders can use to ease pain following a traumatic death. It explains ways to show teens that their grief is understood and offers suggestions to facilitate communication and provide appropriate support.