Research shows that children and families do better when fathers are involved. Kids exhibit better school performance, increased self-esteem and improved relationships with peers, while parents feel less stress when they support each other and co-parent. This toolkit is based on a programmatic review of fatherhood involvement efforts in early childhood programs and is a collection of the many tangible steps a WIC site can take to become more inclusive of men and dads. (Author introduction modified)
This report identifies and discusses evidence about the relationship between poverty and child abuse and neglect. It explores the economic costs of child abuse and neglect and outlines broad policy implications, with a particular focus on the United Kingdom. Specifically, the report outlines evidence from the United Kingdom and other countries about the association between family poverty and child abuse and neglect; evidence from the United Kingdom and other countries about the impact of childhood abuse or neglect on poverty in adulthood; evidence about the costs of child abuse and neglect;…
This report presents findings from a study of the Children’s Institute, Inc. (CII), a multiservice organization in Los Angeles that combines a broad range of clinical and nonclinical services to meet the needs of children and families who have been affected by trauma. It begins by explaining that each year, CII serves more than 20,000 children and family members, and that CII’s range of activities, which it calls its Integrated Service Model, serve the “whole child, entire family.” Through its service model, CII provides a broad range of supports that the child and family may need to overcome…
This report summarizes findings from a number of research reports relevant to the theme of Australian National Child Protection Week 2016 “Stronger Communities, Safer Children”. Key messages are shared from research on building safe and supportive families and communities for children in Australia, building safe and supportive families and communities for Indigenous children in Australia, and what children value in their communities and what changes children would like to see in their communities. A paper on the concept of community capacity is also summarized, as well as a paper that applies…
With the rise in heroin and other opioid use, more relatives are raising children because the parents have died, are incarcerated, are using drugs, are in treatment or are otherwise unable to care for their children, according to the report. After years of decline, the numbers of children in foster care are increasing. Experts say the opioid epidemic is responsible for this trend. Alcohol and drug use are the most common reasons for removing children from their homes, next to neglect. More than 1/3 of all children placed in foster care because of parental alcohol or drug use are placed…
The job market can be brutal for formerly incarcerated adults, as well as their children and families, as they contend with instability and stress while struggling to secure employment. This report covers the challenging terrains of incarceration, reentry and work. It draws on expert interviews, dozens of resources and two decades of strategic investments by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Readers will learn what employment barriers people commonly face after exiting prison or jail and how to help these individuals pursue — and maintain — family supporting jobs. (Author abstract)
This report explores the impact of parental incarceration on children, families, and communities and recommends policies and practices that put the needs of children of incarcerated parents first. It emphasizes the need for on correctional systems, communities, and state and local public agencies to help stabilize families and preserve their connections during incarceration and successfully move forward once parents come home. Characteristics of incarcerated parents and their children are described, as well as the following impacts of incarceration: an added financial burden, a blow to child…
This report provides a statistical portrait of progress in the reduction of poverty and economic hardship over the past five decades in the United States. The poverty measures presented in this volume show that the federal safety net has advanced the economic circumstances of low- income children and families since 1964. Three key metrics assess whether families were able to secure resources to meet their basic human needs and avoid severe material deprivation: the official poverty measure developed by Mollie Orshansky in 1963-1964 and designated as the federal government’s official…
In this second edition of the annual State of Grandfamilies in America report, Generations United identified key State laws and policies specifically designed to address barriers and better support the diverse and unique population of grandparents and other relatives raising children. All 50 States and the District of Columbia were evaluated based on the availability of these laws and policies. To identify States with the most promising laws and policies to support grandfamilies, Generations United used the following criteria: percentage of children in foster care who are placed with…
