Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Young Families Two-Generation Strategies for Working with Disconnected Young Parents & Their Children

Home , Cycle of poverty

RESEARCH REPORT DECEMBER 2013

Executive Summary

Over 1.4 million youth ages 15–24 are out-of-school and out-of-work (OSOW) and are raising dependent children.1 When youth are out of the education system, lack early work experience, and cannot find employment, the likelihood is poor that they will have the means to support themselves and the needs of their children.1 Too often, this traps their families in a cycle of poverty for generations.

Until communities offer multiple pathways programs already in place within its member to connect with ladders of opportunity, many organizations. The Annie E. Casey Foundation young families headed by OSOW youth will (AECF) supported this effort, which sought be unable to achieve financial independence. to document quality two-generation pro- To break the cycle of poverty, many human grams and identify program elements Two-generation service organizations use two-generation that strengthen young families. The study approaches with “young families” (that is, eventually engaged 32 NHSA members and approaches are a families with children in which the parent affiliates in sharing their knowledge about leading strategy to is an OSOW young person ages 15–24 years). two-generation approaches and providing create the conditions connections to programs that re-engage One hallmark of these two-generation for young families to approaches is the use of strategies that young parents in education and/or work, address the developmental needs of the nurture parent-child bonds, improve chil- move out of poverty. dren’s wellbeing, and connect families with young parents, their children, and the economic, social, and other supports. families as a whole. This report features case studies of two- The National Human Services Assembly generation programs, describes elements (NHSA), an association of America’s leading associated with successful outcomes, and nonprofit human service providers, conducted recommends future work. an exploratory study of two-generation

National Human Services Assembly 1 Background Although nonprofits have had two-generation Definitions for approaches for decades, few publications are broadly available that have examples Key Terms as Used Currently, over 20% of U.S. children younger than 18 years live in poverty, and many of promising practices for two-generation in this Report of these poor children are in households approaches to strengthening young families. headed by a young adult (ages 18–24).2,3 To close this gap, NHSA conducted an Children growing up in poverty are at exploratory study of existing two-generation Out-of-School/ increased risk of having low incomes as practices for young families with children in Out-of-Work (OSOW) adults. This cycle of poverty, and its effects, which the parent is a young person (15–24 Young people ages 15–24 are described by AECF (n.d.) as follows. years) who is out-of-school and unemployed. who are unemployed The focus was on two-generation approaches and not participating in [P]overty undermines child well-being with four interrelated services that: in two critical ways. The lack of income education or job training.* 1) Re-engage the OSOW youth in education, often prevents parents from meeting (Note: sometimes OSOW job training, or early work experiences. children’s basic needs and investing in youth are referred to as resources and experiences that will help 2) Nurture the bond between parent “disconnected youth” because and child. of weak educational, employ- their children develop. The stress created 3) Improve the child(ren)’s wellbeing. ment, or social ties) by living in poverty undermines a parent’s ability to devote time, energy and atten- 4) Connect the family as a whole with Two-Generation tion to the job of being a good caregiver…. economic, social, and other supports. Approaches The tragic consequence is that children born to parents in the lowest fifth of As the case studies show, two-generation Programs that intentionally the income scale are very likely (42%) approaches are getting young families serve parents and children to end up there as adults.4 on paths leading toward economic inde- individually and together as pendence. Highlighting their promising a family unit. At a minimum, High levels of childhood toxic stress contrib- practices—the aim of this report—is a first these approaches seek to ute to intergenerational cycles of poverty. step toward building support among re-engage young parents For both OSOW youth and their children, policymakers, employers, community- in education and/or work; growing up poor, experiencing trauma, and based organizations, and other stakeholders nurture parent-child bonds; other adverse childhood experiences have to make a full commitment to young families. improve children’s well- been shown to disrupt brain development Ultimately, achieving significant and long- being; and connect families and impair both long-term health and eco- lasting gains for children and young adults with economic, social, and nomic mobility, according to the American will require cultural and systemic change. other supports. Academy of Pediatrics. The Academy found that toxic levels of stress related to child- Young Families hood adversity can impede learning and Who Are OSOW Youth? in later life are associated with unhealthy Families with children in About 6.7 million youth ages 16–24 are coping mechanisms (such as alcohol and which the parent is a young not in school or in a job, according to Civic illicit drug use, gambling) along with poor person (15–24 years) who Enterprises, Everyone Graduates Center, physical and mental wellbeing.5 The Academy is out-of-school and out-of- America’s Promise Alliance, and the (2011) notes that parents who experienced work (OSOW). Alliance for Excellent Education. The col- high levels of adversity in their childhoods laboration reports that about half of these “are less likely to be able to provide the * Parrott J, Treschan L. (2013). Barriers OSOW youth are high school dropouts.6 to Entry: The Increasing Challenges kind of stable and supportive relationships Faced by Young Adults In the New Compared to their peers, students who are that are needed to protect their children York City Labor Market. New York: less likely to graduate include adolescents JobsFirstNYC. from the damages of toxic stress.”5 from low-income families, young people Two-generation approaches aim to inter- with disabilities, African American and rupt the cycle of poverty by investing in Hispanic youth, and students with limited both adults and children. Some nonprofit English proficiency.6 human services agencies and youth One in five (21%) OSOW young people are employment programs view two-generation also parents, as reported by AECF’s Kids approaches as the foremost strategy to Count.1 Because these youth are outside create the conditions for young families the education system, lack early work to move out of poverty.

2 Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Young Families experience, and cannot find employment, This period of growth, though, is marked they have few immediate prospects to fully by gains in thinking and problem solving support themselves and their children.1 skills.13 While young parents’ development can be enhanced by relating to their chil- A variety of factors—many beyond their dren, they may not yet have the maturity control—can contribute to young people needed to fully nurture children and suf- having limited economic, educational, or ficiently buffer them from toxic stress. social ties to their communities. Further, The combination of parenting and trying these life circumstances may be ongoing, to provide for their family contribute to creating barriers to OSOW youth who are the high stress levels common to OSOW trying to get back on track. youth raising children. This stress can > Depression and Other Mental Health interfere with the maturation process.13 Conditions. Researchers attribute 10% of all high school dropout actions to mental disorders.7 Young parents may not yet have the maturity needed > Exposure to Violence. Over 60% of youth to nurture children and buffer them from toxic stress. have experienced some sort of violence during their lifetime.8 These types of Notably, most young parents deeply care for traumatic experiences can have a long- their children, and this asset is instrumental lasting negative effect on health, brain to breaking intergenerational poverty. development, and functioning.9 The deep care that young parents have > Homelessness. Experiencing homelessness can be a powerful motivator for staying in threatens—even disrupts—the stability a two-generation program. The programs, of young families and places enormous in turn, can support nurturing parent-child stress on all family members. About 1.68 relationships, which are fundamental to million youth (ages 16–21) are runaways children’s social-emotional, physical, and 10 or are experiencing homelessness. mental development.15,16 > Involvement in Child Welfare System. About half of youth who had been in foster care do not graduate from What Is a Two- high school.11 Generation Approach? > Non-Citizens. In 2012, 12% of non-citizen youth could be categorized as OSOW, The Aspen Institute has identified three compared to 8% of their peers with main types of two-generation approaches. U.S. citizenship.12 > Whole-Family Approaches take a holistic view of the family, both parents and OSOW YOUTH AS PARENTS children, and design interventions that intentionally enhance the wellbeing of Just as many OSOW young parents aspire both generations. to securing good jobs, they also want to be > Parent-Child Approaches are directed effective, nurturing parents. Yet, most ado- at parents of children, and the children lescent (ages 13–17) and emerging adult also receive some sort of support. (ages 18–25) brains are still evolving into their adult form, and this developing maturity > Child-Parent Approaches primarily affects parenting decisions and practices.13 serve children, but parents also receive 2 According to the National Center on Family some support. Homelessness, emerging adults are still developing their identities, tend to focus more on themselves than others, desire learning and growth experiences, can behave inconsistently, and sometimes take risks without fully considering consequences.

National Human Services Assembly 3 Whole-family approaches are the focus of and parents, they also attend to the family this NHSA research. See Jewish Community as a whole. Services (JCS) of Baltimore for an example Attention to the family as a whole is essen- of parent-child approaches. tial. A prior NHSA synthesis of research, In the context of young families in which the practice, and expert insights identified parents are OSOW youth, two-generation family as the most important asset shaping approaches should, according to AECF, the lives and outcomes of children and bundle services to reconnect: youth.16 This analysis also found that > Children to pathways for healthy children best thrive in families that offer development via in-home visits, early them three fundamentals: loving, nurtur- childhood education and care, and ing relationships; financial stability; and preventive health services. positive connections to social and community networks.16 > OSOW youth to pathways to college or careers via programs that lead to academic certifications, valuable job EVIDENCE FOR TWO- skills, and early work experiences. GENERATIONAL APPROACHES > Young families to networks, including Prior research has demonstrated that a supportive adult relationships as well two-generation approach can disrupt the as neighborhood organizations.1 cycle of poverty.2,17 The Aspen Institute’s review found promising evidence that all In this construct, two-generation strategies three types of approaches can effectively not only simultaneously serve both children reconnect young families to opportunity.2 A separate 2013 Urban Institute review of evaluated interventions to improve the wellbeing of disconnected mothers (of any age) Jewish Community Services (JCS) of Baltimore and their children identified two-generation strategies as a promising approach.17 Building individuals’ and families’ ability to become self-sufficient is an integral part of the mission of JCS Baltimore—an affiliate of the Association THE CASE FOR INVESTING of Jewish Family and Children’s Agencies. According to Joan Grayson Cohen, IN OSOW YOUTH Senior Manager, JCS Baltimore starts this process by assisting prospective clients—which include young families with OSOW parents—with applying When young people are unemployed and for public benefits and other community services. After they apply, JCS lack basic job credentials, governments Baltimore provides a comprehensive set of supports that help young parents spend more money to support them over and other clients overcome adversity and progress toward self-sufficiency. the long term. One Civic Enterprises study The set includes: projected a future lifetime taxpayer burden of $258,040 for each OSOW 16 year old. > Service coordination to assist clients in navigating systems in order The same study estimated that the total to access programs and services. taxpayer burden for all OSOW youth ages > Career services, such as employment assistance. 16–24 years is $1.56 trillion.18 > Mental health services, such as therapy and counseling. Emerging research in the field has projected > Life skills development, such as coaching clients on how to apply for a positive return on investment for pro- child care vouchers and teaching them how to create a budget. grams that enable OSOW youth to attain a “Getting people in jobs and situations where they are functioning on their high school diploma. The return stems not own” is paramount to creating a successful future, Cohen says. For some only from reductions in long-term public young families, Cohen reports that mental health services may also be assistance, but also from lower levels of especially important if the parents have suffered from abuse and other crime and the economic benefits of a more 18 childhood trauma. In these cases, therapy and counseling are a means for educated workforce. Thus, investing in the young people to learn how to overcome adversity in a positive way. connecting youth to pathways for college These services also set the stage for effective parenting. and careers can benefit society.

4 Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Young Families Methodology Leading Family-Strengthening Practices As previously noted, the goal of this small exploratory study was to identify promising As identified by NHSA in 2007, 10 family-strengthening practices had practices for two-generation approaches emerged across the human services sector from a decade of investment using a case study approach informed by supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Research and practice indicated the literature and expert opinion. The first that the best family-strengthening programs: step entailed a focused literature review and interviews with five experts in the youth > Build on family and neighborhood strengths. development and human services fields. > Strengthen the capacity of families to function effectively and progress This work provided a base understanding toward self-sufficiency. of existing knowledge of two-generation > Intentionally address the needs of the family as a whole or collective interventions and the population of young unit (a “whole-family” approach). families with children in which the parent > Respond flexibly to family and community circumstances. is an OSOW youth. > Create or strengthen partnerships across service systems. Toward the end of the initial phase, NHSA > Help to prevent crises by meeting needs early. contacted member organizations with > Make services accessible in neighborhoods where people live and work. networks that deliver services to youth and families. The case study objectives > Tailor services to help the individual in the context of family and were threefold. community. 1. Demonstrate the feasibility of two- > Involve families and communities in the design and delivery of family generation approaches to reconnecting supports and services. young families to opportunity. Source: National Human Services Assembly. (2007). Family Strengthening Writ Large: On 2. Provide an array of examples of how Becoming a Nation that Promotes Strong Families and Successful Youth. Family Strengthening to integrate a two-generation approach Policy Center. into program and service models. 3. Identify promising practices that may be effective in achieving positive outcomes A third step was conducting qualitative, for young families. semi-structured interviews with these local practitioners. The interview guide sought NHSA directly interviewed 17 national orga- information about population served, pro- nizations—all NHSA members—using a gram goals and components, availability semi-structured guide about two-generation of outcome data, and practices that were practices in their network of service providers. perceived as instrumental to success. Interviewees and other NHSA members Supplementary information included provided information and referrals to program materials, available evaluations, local affiliates that exemplified leading and a few interviews with former program practices in two-generation approaches participants. Each organization reviewed to young families. its case study for accuracy. The initial criterion for selecting case stud- Finally, NHSA reviewed the case studies ies was the availability of objective data as a body of new knowledge to identify about program effectiveness; however, few common practices that practitioners had programs had formal evaluations. NHSA flagged as instrumental to achieving posi- subsequently selected organizations based tive outcomes. NHSA staff reviewed this on the use of whole-family approaches and preliminary set of practices against the the availability of program information. knowledge gleaned in the first phase and NHSA gave priority to programs that exem- refined the set. The final set of practices is plified national family-strengthening prac- presented in the Elements of Success section. tices (see Leading Family-Strengthening Practices) as a surrogate for data indicating program quality.

National Human Services Assembly 5 Further, evaluations of a few of the featured Beyond the Label: Crittenton Sees Whole Person programs suggest that two-generation approaches, when implemented with quality, can generate positive outcomes for young The National Crittenton Foundation relates to each young woman as a multi- people, their children, and the family as a faceted individual. Each individual young woman is valued as a unique, whole. Output and anecdotal information distinct person instead of as a member of a group. While conducting across the case studies also suggest posi- research for this brief, NHSA interviewed several graduates of Crittenton tive results. programs. With Crittenton support, each graduate had overcome immense obstacles during her young life and embarked on promising pathways. One While two-generation approaches are young woman recalled being a “good” student who was always “off the feasible and appear to be effective if imple- radar” in a school filled with youth whose situation presented as more mented well, the case studies together worrisome. When the young woman shared her problems with her parents highlight that whole-family interventions and counselors, they made light of her troubles. Soon, she was pregnant. are not easy or simple given the complexity After that, faculty, staff, and even her family no longer saw her as a high of young families’ situations. First, most school student. Instead, she was now a “teen mom.” After entering a OSOW young parents are not fully prepared Crittenton program, the young woman learned that she was a complex, for the multiple roles they have rapidly multi-dimensional person with distinct roles—teenager, mother, student, acquired. Second, the families may be home- and person—to play in separate spheres of her life. Today, after drawing less, family members may be involved in the on Crittenton services to build a vision for the future, she is enrolled in a child welfare or justice systems, and they master’s degree program. often have minimal connections to their community. A single intervention or two cannot provide the full range of supports necessary so young families have the means Case Studies of Two- to be healthy and independent. Rather, the formidable challenges they face require a Generation Programs coordinated set of multiple services, such for Young Families as education, health care, housing, legal services for custody issues, and home visiting (Case studies are presented on pages 9–12.) interventions (and more). Third, the agencies must serve multiple persons at different FINDINGS life stages and the family as a whole. Case managers have to be knowledgeable about The case studies not only demonstrate that child, youth, and family development as well the two-generation approach is feasible but as effective interventions for each. also provide a rich array of examples. The featured organizations were diverse, served a variety of young family populations, had ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS assorted program goals, and drew upon Eight elements of success emerge from a cross-case analysis of the featured pro- While two-generation approaches are feasible grams. Many of these promising practices are echoed in the literature and expert and appear to be effective if implemented well, opinion. These elements are interrelated whole-family interventions are not simple. but also distinct. The elements fall into two categories: program design and services. different sources of funding. The service mix varied depending on the availability PROGRAM DESIGN of other community resources, program partners, and program goals. That the whole- High-quality, two-generation programming family, two-generation approach could be uses a whole-family approach. Programs successfully adapted to a heterogeneous simultaneously promote the OSOW youths’ set of programs suggests the model is workforce readiness, the young person’s amenable to widespread replication. capabilities as head of household and as parent, the child(ren)’s wellbeing, and the family’s stability.

6 Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Young Families Because of the dynamics of serving multiple partnerships to connect with potential generations at different life stages, actual clients, easily refer families to other Elements of Success program operations tend to be multi-faceted, community resources, train staff, and, intensive, and longer-term. sometimes, fund services. Program Design > Multi-Faceted. The featured programs use a combination of preventive services SERVICES > Multi-faceted and interventions to provide young par- Overall, two-generation approaches for > Intensive ents with the tools to raise their children young families integrate a developmental > Longer-term in a positive environment. Weaving perspective into service delivery. Such a together diverse resources for individual view recognizes that individuals and social > Collaborative families means case managers must know groups (such as families) have an inherent Services and be able to navigate the myriad capacity to grow, extend their potential, and systems that OSOW young families adapt to external influences. The featured > Positive youth may encounter. programs all tap into young parents’ aspira- development > Intensive. Because of the complex situations for their children’s future as a powerful > Baby boosts tion of young families, reconnecting motivator to do the hard work of preparing > Family development them to opportunity is an intensive for careers and raising children. Services process. Program staff must work promoted healthy development by helping > Social connections with individual families to create and young families access supports, become implement specialized plans. Notably, more employable, and overcome obstacles. group-oriented services (such as job training, parenting classes) can com- POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT plement individualized services. The fundamentals of positive youth devel- > Longer-Term. Giving young families a opment theory guide nearly all aspects strong start tends to require services of the featured two-generation programs. over a 6–24 month period or longer. (See What Is Positive Youth Development?) Many young parents are still developing the capacity to nurture children and get and keep jobs that can support a family. Two-generational approaches for young families integrate The programs offer young persons the a developmental perspective into service delivery. time, resources, and supportive environment to develop brain maturity, educa- Specifically, young people work with a caring, tion and workforce credentials, and knowledgeable adult whom they trust, and parenting know-how. Also, some young the program culture is positive. Services parents benefit from behavioral health emphasize building on the young person’s interventions to overcome barriers, such strengths (rather than focusing on prob- as trauma, depression, or substance abuse. lems), and youth provide input about their > Collaborative. All of the programs cultivate development plans and take ownership working partnerships with other sources of their decisions and their lives. Flexible of support for children, young people, program structures enable case managers and families. Organizational partners to creatively tailor services for the unique include government agencies, employers, situation of each young person and family. many other service providers, and civic groups (such as faith-based institutions, In two-generation approaches, this frame- play groups). Case managers also facilitate work guides programs to build young partnerships with individuals in the com- parents’ educational credentials, job skills, munity who care about young families’ initial work experiences, and employment- success. These collaborations are abso- related networks. These assets are critical lutely essential to strengthening young to landing good jobs. families. Further, the programs use these

National Human Services Assembly 7 BABY BOOSTS GED. This dynamic makes it vitally important that programs quickly and continuously What Is Positive The featured programs deliberately pro- promote family development. The featured Youth Development? mote children’s healthy development programs work to: through multiple services, which NHSA calls “baby boosts.” Positive youth development > Stabilize family life. In the short term, is an intentional, pro-social > Timely health services for the children, the programs focus on immediate needs, approach that engages youth including prenatal care. After birth, two- such as affordable housing and enroll- within their communities, generation programs connect young fam- ment in food stamps, Medicaid or SCHIP, schools, organizations, peer ilies to preventive well-child care. Both and other governmental and private groups, and families in a medical and family services emphasize programs (such as local food pantries). manner that is productive early detection of and care for health > Develop young parents’ abilities to head and constructive; recognizes, conditions and developmental delays. a household. A nuanced tactic is helping utilizes, and enhances youths’ > Early childhood education and care serve young parents develop a “family mind- strengths; and promotes both child and parent. Two-generation set” of being responsible for raising positive outcomes for young programs help young parents find safe, their children, thinking of themselves people by providing oppor- nurturing child care providers so they as parents, and viewing their family as tunities, fostering positive can go to school, training, or work. Some contributing to the greater community. relationships, and furnishing agencies secure placement with Head More explicitly, some programs help the support needed to build Start or high-quality providers that have young parents with life skills, such as on their leadership strengths. educators and environments that delib- learning how to rent housing, manage erately nurture child development and finances, make plans, and navigate Source: The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs. work with parents as partners. community systems. Accessed 10/17/2013 from http:// > Parent-child attachment. Program staff > Provide other building blocks for the findyouthinfo.gov/youth-topics/ positive-youth-development affirm positive interactions between future. Wrap-around supports for the parents and their children, such as family as a whole may include English as by drawing attention to how children a second language classes; work supports express affection and praising parents (such as tax credits, income supports, for active listening. Further, if young transportation assistance); and asset parents and their children are separated, development (such as savings accounts). the programs quickly bring them back together, such as by finding suitable SOCIAL CONNECTIONS housing, using frequent supervised visits, and encouraging involvement by the All families need positive social and emo- non-custodial parent (as appropriate). tional support from family members, peers, neighbors, and community groups who care > Parenting education and training. about them. The featured programs delib- Enriching parenting skills helps children erately strengthen young parents’ existing thrive. For example, parenting classes and ties to caring people and supportive adults. home visiting services teach young par- Some also build relationships between young ents about stages of child development families and natural helpers in the community and practices that nurture development, who informally look after the family, espe- such as creating routines, removing haz- cially after they graduate from the programs. ards, and providing positive discipline. To expand their network, programs also FAMILY DEVELOPMENT encourage young parents to become involved in their community, such as by joining faith- Quality two-generation programs attend to based communities or taking children to the young family as a whole. OSOW young weekly library programs. Several programs parents are themselves still developing, and nurture young parents’ relationships with their situations often impact their ability peers who share their experiences of work- to fully mature and help their children to ing to develop a better life. This type of peer thrive. For example, the youth may have high network further reduces social isolation stress levels from getting by with minimal and makes programs fun. income, caring for an infant, and earning a

8 Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Young Families CASE STUDIES: Two-Generation Programs for Young Families

Association of Jewish Family and lack of resources available for non- leave their comfort zone and enter a neigh- and Children’s Agencies (AJFCA) English speakers. borhood where others might judge them in order to receive a service—greater advance- With more than 25 years of evidence, the According to Lisa Budlow, Director of ments in service provision can be made. Programs at AJFCA, her organization’s Triple P curriculum has shown tremendous member agencies are working to create a levels of success, including a 35% reduction whole-family solution for OSOW youth with in emergency room visits for child injuries, National Crittenton Foundation and a 44% reduction in out-of-home place children. AJFCA is a membership association The National Crittenton Foundation is ments.i Research has shown that Triple P for over 100 Jewish family service agencies the umbrella for the 27 members of the has also helped end the cycle of poverty across the United States and Canada. They Crittenton family of agencies around the related to physical punishment during range in size from small departments of country serving approximately 20,000 childhood.ii Many behavioral problems local Jewish federations to some of the families per month. For more than 129 in adult life, including depression, anxiety, largest human services agencies in North years, this network has supported young hopelessness, drugs and alcohol abuse, America. AJFCA has a flexible approach women and girls—many of whom are and general psychological maladjustment to programming and tailors their efforts young, single mothers—and their children across their membership network. Their stem from the experience of physical abuse with multi-generation approaches. members provide vital services to clients in childhood, which Triple P prevents.ii of all ages, faiths, and economic back- Each member agency is independent and Hutkin-Slade believes that aiming interven- grounds. They counsel families, feed the tailors its services to community needs, yet tions like the Triple P program at parents hungry, assist the elderly, and protect the they all share a similar guiding philosophy: as early as possible makes the greatest vulnerable. United by their traditional build on “what works”—the strengths difference for young families. By breaking Jewish values, many of their organizations and resilience in the young families’ lives, the cycle of abuse common to families who strive to serve in a collaborative manner instead of trying to fix what is wrong. In have decreased social mobility due to their relying on community connections, flexibility, practice, this means that Crittenton agencies financial circumstances, the chances for and creating and maintaining lasting rela- tend to focus on “bonding and attachment, success in life improves. Echoing the words tionships. When asked what she sees as parenting skills, health, education goals, and of Ruby Payne,iii she notes that living in making the most difference with young career development and workforce training,” poverty is a “cultural difference” and families, Budlow answered: “community according to Jeannette Pai-Espinosa, President. outreach, and being an agency that makes explains that “when people tend to be itself accessible” to the community at large. judgmental of these kids” (e.g., as lazy, Many young women supported by Crittenton In order to gain trust from community ignorant) more harm than good is caused. agencies say the biggest driver of success for members, it is important to be seen as an In general, people “just don’t really under- them is to be able to achieve goals and move agency that is there to help. stand what their lives are like,” especially into the middle class. The young parents for someone coming from a middle class, know they need education, but feel tradi- Jewish Family Service San Diego well-educated community. Having social tional educational pathways don’t always service practitioners who are willing to work for them. Accordingly, Crittenton Linda Hutkin-Slade, Divisional Director actively go into the community that is home agencies involve these women in designing of Clinical and Community Services at JFS to OSOW youth and their children is useful. programs that work for them. By asking for San Diego, an AJFCA affiliate, explained the By helping to break down barriers between their input, the agencies engage the women “work done at JFS is to protect the vulner- social service provider and client—both in actively working toward their own success. able, build self-sufficiency, build the parent- physical, such as transportation-related, In interviews with young women enrolled child bond, stop the cycle of poverty, and and emotional, such as being forced to in their program network, the women teach individuals how to parent in an effective way—not to repeat the cycle of violence.” revealed that they are looking for social JFS San Diego has over 50 programs, at least capital, especially connections important half of which focus on young parents and to becoming upwardly mobile. In response, i Bornstein, D. (2013). The Benefits of Positive Parenting. Crittenton agencies now intentionally help families. Through the Positive Parenting The New York Times (Feb. 20). Available from: Program (called “Triple P” and funded http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/ program participants develop relationships by the County of San Diego), JFS is able to helping-the-parents-to-spare-the-children/ with a “cheerleader” or “advocate” to help ii Durrant J, Ensom R. (2012). Physical Punishment of them achieve goals. Community connections focus on low-income families with children Children: Lessons From 20 Years of Research. Canadian ages 0–5, especially non-English speakers Medical Association Journal, 184 (12). Available from: are also important to helping young families through Head Starts and elementary schools http://www.cmaj.ca/content/184/12/1373.full?ijkey= overcome obstacles such as lack of access to 363180cf4deb4c39780e1e8cf0775efce2b8df3d& child care, a reliable car, or tutoring support. in historically socioeconomically disad- keytype2=tf_ipsecsha vantaged areas. Triple P participants often iii Payne, an American educator, is best known for her book, According to Pai-Espinosa, “the most sig- struggle with challenging situations that A Framework for Understanding Poverty, and her work on the culture of poverty and its relation to education. nificant—but least articulated—goal of the increase their stress levels as parents, such She has argued that the culture of the middle class is network’s dual-generational programs is as single parenthood, immigration concerns, different than the culture of poverty.

National Human Services Assembly 9 to help young families build and achieve a 36 states and the District of Columbia. The a lot of stress.” High levels of stress can different vision for their life.” Crittenton’s organization also conducts public policy contribute to premature birth, low birth young mothers often come from families research and advocacy activities from its weight, and negative developmental out- challenged by multiple generations of young Washington, DC, bureau. comes for the child. Accordingly, resource parenthood, low academic achievement, mothers are skilled at opening up commu- and living at or below the poverty line. Northern Virginia Urban League nication and exploring family dynamics Breaking these cycles requires a holistic A local affiliate of the National Urban League, to see what support is needed where (e.g., approach. Often Crittenton agencies do this the Northern Virginia Urban League (NVUL) food, housing, mental health) so as to reduce by having on-site high schools with early serves pregnant and parenting teens (ages stress levels on the teen and baby. childhood learning centers so that both 13–19) with a multi-generational approach The baby’s well-being is always in mind. parents and children are able to continue through its Resource Mothers program. Resource mothers connect young families to their education and development. The fam- The home-visiting program model is from high-quality early childhood care providers ilies also can access on-site health care to the Virginia Department of Health, which that deliberately promote infant development, minimize time outside the classroom while established Resource Mothers to help teens not just meet basic needs. Also, resource mothers take their children for check-ups make the transition to parenting and to mothers monitor infants for developmental and immunizations. To promote financial achieve healthy outcomes for both baby delays in case support services are needed. stability, Crittenton runs credit recovery and mother. The “resource mothers” are This is an important part of NVUL’s program programs as well as job and career devel- trained community health workers who because developmental delays can contrib- opment services. have raised their own children. These men- ute to academic problems and eventual A majority of Crittenton participants are tors work with youth in their family and school dropout, which in turn perpetuates survivors of high levels of childhood trauma, school contexts, assure timely receipt of intergenerational poverty. adversity, and violence. Given the prevalence prenatal and well-child care, connect young High school graduation (or GED) is another of these traumatic experiences, Crittenton families to community resources, and guide way that the Resource Mothers program staff use the Adverse Childhood Experiences teens in their new parenting responsibilities helps young families gain footholds on lad- (ACE) instrument to assess negative expo- and efforts to become self-sufficient. NVUL ders to opportunity. If a teen mother has sures that individuals have had while grow- and other Resource Mothers programs truancy problems or has dropped out, her ing up.iv Staff help begin the healing by participate in the Virginia Home Visiting resource mother organizes school partners giving young mothers the “unconditional Consortium, which trains home visitors and and others to talk together with the teen and support and love that they never thought promotes high standards of care. Funding develop a plan for resuming her education. they would have.” Parenting programs, from the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County After graduation, the mentors encourage such as “Loving Your Baby From The Inside Consolidated Community Funding Pool, the young moms to start at a two- or four- Out” in Helena, Montana, take the next and the Virginia Department of Health year college. When teen fathers want to step by teaching the young mothers that enables NVUL to deliver Resource Mothers. drop out, resource mothers urge them “they can be good moms by developing NVUL’s Director of Programs, Yvette Bailey, to stay in school so they are better able a sense of attachment and bonding” with describes Resource Mothers as a compre- to support their children over the years. their child and by making positive choices hensive approach, addressing the needs for their family. of the child and the mother from A to Z. Strong family and community partnerships The first step is bringing pregnant teens to plus a high-performing group of resource National Urban League (NUL) a center during their first trimester to start mothers are the hallmarks of NVUL’s success- prenatal care. Subsequent appointments ful program, according to Bailey. Referrals The National Urban League is a historic are scheduled during non-school hours. to Resource Mothers come from Alexandria civil rights and urban advocacy organization Once the babies are born, the program and Fairfax public schools and local health dedicated to economic empowerment emphasizes well-baby care for immuniza- departments. NVUL works closely with in historically underserved communities. tions and early detection of any health schools’ guidance counselors and social Founded in 1910 and headquartered in conditions or developmental delays. For workers to address barriers that could keep New York City, the National Urban League the mother, the new health objective is pregnant and parenting students from has improved the lives of more than two to delay future pregnancies. earning their high school diplomas. Before million people nationwide through direct young families leave the program, resource service programs that are implemented The home-visiting component for NVUL’s mothers make sure they are connected to locally by its 95 Urban League affiliates in programs is truly multi-generational. community groups for ongoing support. Resource mothers go to young women’s homes and work with whoever is in their NVUL’s group of skilled health workers is lives. This in-person presence enables the another key program asset. Bailey reports iv Developed in 1995 by a doctor at Keiser Permanente mentors to tailor services to each unique that their resource mothers are effective and sponsored by the CDC with more than 17,000 situation. One thing Bailey’s team has because “they understand the communities patients, this 10 point scale has shown that the higher where our girls come from and are passionate the score, the greater the chance of negative outcomes noticed is that “when there is disconnect later in life. between the teen’s parents, the mother, about what they do.” and the baby’s father, the teen is under

10 Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Young Families United Neighborhood Centers This philosophy underlies Tied Together, Youth Advocate Programs (YAP) of America (UNCA) the Center’s signature parenting program for young families. What started as a course Youth Advocate Programs (YAP) provides UNCA builds neighborhoods with neighbors. to build parenting skills, Tied Together a unique, community-based alternative UNCA is a national advocate for social justice has grown into a program model that has for young people who would otherwise and community building that is inclusive, strengthened more than 350 young fami- be homeless or in the juvenile justice, holistic, asset-based, and in the tradition of lies. Tied Together is a 10-week parent child welfare, or behavioral health systems. the settlement house movement. UNCA’s education program with a key emphasis Through YAP, young people are able to stay members comprise a voluntary network of on bringing together the community—from within their home communities and near nonprofit community-based organizations physicians, to librarians, to educators, to their families. Community advocates work including settlement houses, neighborhood other young parents—to support young with young people to help them graduate and community centers, and similar com- parents as they raise their children. The from YAP having developed positive con- munity-building organizations. Since 1911 program does this by having staff and nections with pro-social people, places, UNCA has worked to strengthen and empower experts from various agencies, including and activities within their community. They its member centers as they work alongside the Department of Children’s Services are able to live safely in a secure and stable neighborhood residents both to improve (DCS), come to the Center so parents can home, with improved skills, having their conditions in some of America’s poorest connect with them and feel more confident basic needs better met, and as part of a urban areas and to strengthen youth and in reaching out for resources to support them strengthened, more cohesive family. families. UNCA’s members are found in a on their parenting journey. By having DCS YAP’s model is research-based and uses wide variety of neighborhoods and build participate as a key partner, Tied Together program evaluations and new research to community with neighbors as diverse as encourages parents to regard DCS as an continuously improve its program delivery. urban America itself. Diversity, flexibility, agency that supports their families. In addi- The federal Office of Juvenile Justice and and authentic and engaged relationships tion, Tied Together offers a resource fair Delinquency Prevention, National Council with neighbors are some of their greatest so young parents learn about community on Crime and Delinquency, and the Annie assets. With multi-generational programs offerings for their families. Finally, the pro- E. Casey Foundation, among others, have and services that serve as context for gram reinforces engagement with other recognized YAP’s model as a promising or relationship building, UNCA’s members young parents who have similar situations. effective alternative to institutional care. embody a whole-family, multi-generational Grounded in the belief that each child approach to community progress. The parenting component of Tied Together has goals such as reducing infant mortality has unique needs and assets, YAP uses a In January 2014, the UNCA network will join and childhood injuries. Program staff use a strengths-based approach to bring about together with the Alliance for Children and Center-developed curriculum that is paired change. Advocates are matched with young Families network to comprise one powerful with the evidence-based Nurturing Parent people with whom they share strengths, and unified force for social justice and posi- curriculum and is implemented in a way interests, and culture, including the same tive community change. that is fun, invigorating, and upbeat so that neighborhood. The advocates work with parents want to participate. The curriculum the youth and their families to create Martha O’Bryan Center is grounded in the belief that “parents are holistic, individualized plans to reconnect youth to their communities, including: An UNCA member agency, the Martha the experts on their children.” It teaches O’Bryan Center in Nashville, Tennessee, parents how to ask their children’s pediatri- > Engaging youth, their families and serves the poorest of the poor: most families cians questions and how children’s brains broader family teams (parents, caregivers, make less than $6,000 per year. Over time, develop so youth have realistic expectations and others who are supportive of the the Center has created an integrated “high- and can give their children positive support youth) to create individualized plans way of services” across clients’ life spans. in their development at different “ages and of support. These include multiple programs that help stages.” One of the most important parts > Serving as case managers who unify young parents engage in school, job training, of the curriculum is a two-week focus on services across educational, employment, and work while also attending to the well- loving guidance. By teaching parents posi- health, child welfare, and other systems being of their children. As explained by tive alternatives to physical punishment, and engage youth in purposeful activities Marsha Edwards, CEO, the program succeeds Tied Together protects children from hitting to achieve the goals in the young per- in part by not calling the young parents and other trauma that can impede healthy son’s plan. “disconnected,” a label that disparages development. Another aspect helps youth > Organizing supportive community resi- their lives by assuming the youth are differentiate “good” information from dents, organizations, associations, and “disconnected from things we think they information that is questionable. other community resources to support should be connected to” and that over- The Center and Tied Together work with the youth, family, and family team. looks the youths’ strengths and life experi- Vanderbilt University sociologist Dr. Kimberly > Involving youth and their families in ences. Instead, the Center works to ensure Bess. She has conducted an external program giving back to the community. This that all people, including young families, evaluation. The Center uses the findings develops their sense of value and com- are “tied together.” to further strengthen its model program. petency and enhances youth ownership in and connection to the community.

National Human Services Assembly 11 > Most importantly, championing youth YWCA USA design because the participants are incred- and providing unconditional support. YAP ible diverse—ranging from those with a 7th employs a “no-reject, no-eject policy”: YWCA USA leads a national network of grade education to a high school GED, or youth will not be kicked out of the YWCA member organizations that is dedi- an immigrant with limited or no English to program because their case is tough cated to eliminating racism, empowering a native speaker. and/or complex. women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Each local While focusing on the needs of the parent, Parenthood YWCA offers programs to realize the work the Young Parent Program also promotes child wellbeing. It does this on multiple For young parents, the advocates integrate of the mission and to meet the unique needs levels. First, the program ensures that all parenting and child wellbeing into the of their local community. At the national children are enrolled in preschool or day- individualized plan and its implementation. level, YWCA USA provides members with care. This helps give young parents the The flexibility of the YAP model enables this technical assistance and capacity-building time to work through their goals. Also, by whole-family, multi-generational approach services, such as identifying “best in show” providing a parenting class, young parents in all programs. For example, a YAP father- programs and making them available to are given the tools to be stronger parents hood program in Atlantic City, New Jersey, all members of the network. Based on for their children. helps strengthen young fathers’ involvement this work, YWCA USA has learned of local associations’ two-generation approaches in their children’s lives by developing not Through the Young Parent Program, youth to serving young OSOW parents and their only youths’ understanding of what it means in transitional housing or shelters work children. A common thread among these to be a nurturing dad but also their ability with a housing case manager to ensure YWCAs’ programs for young families, to use conflict resolution skills to resolve that their current housing situation is made according to Casey Harden, Vice President interpersonal issues. more stable. If they are in a shelter, the of Association Services, is finding the “sweet program finds them transitional housing. spot” in pairing access to practical supports Trauma If they are in transitional housing, a more (ranging from basic needs to education) with Most YAP youth have experienced trauma, permanent solution is found. Part of the cognitive behavioral change in counseling. both before and during their involvement success of the program is due to ensuring This pairing empowers young women to with the system. Trauma is often misunder- that each case manager has special training achieve emotional and economic self- stood or ignored, causing further isolation on how best to work with young parents. sufficiency, as exemplified by one such and disconnection from the community. As part of this process, the case manager program in Washington State. Youth in YAP often have parents who also coordinates wrap-around services, espe- experienced trauma, which impacts their cially by connecting the young women YWCA Seattle |King |Snohomish ability to parent and care for their children. to services for domestic violence, mental Because of this, YAP works with the young The Young Parent Program at YWCA Seattle health, and drug abuse. people’s parents, not just the youth, to | King | Snohomish uses “housing as a address trauma. carrot to reconnect OSOW mothers with An education and employment case man- education and employment opportunities,” ager helps with job searches and tutoring. Challenge as described by Sue Sherbrooke, CEO. This The first goal is to make sure those enrolled While YAP maintains a no-reject, no-eject combination of housing, education, and get a GED or a high school diploma because policy, sometimes system mandates can employment training is necessary to recon- without that credential, they cannot get jeopardize a youth’s progress. For example, nect young families to opportunity. Tamarack a good job. Beyond that, the program is if at the end of YAP’s services, the youth Randall, Director of the Young Parent responsive to what goals young women set doesn’t meet a specific system-imposed Program, puts it best: “Having housing with- for themselves. According to Randall, the requirement, the referring authority may out education and employment means the core idea is that by “letting them make a place the youth into the system/institution chances of keeping housing is very low. Having goal, we can hold them accountable for it.” for which YAP was the alternative. However, employment but no housing means main- Program participants make use of the YWCA’s YAP’s commitment to keeping youth safely taining employment will be very difficult.” Young Parent Center, which has computers, home in their communities doesn’t end job search tools, tutoring, etc. By providing when a system mandate forces a youth back Central to the program is intensive case a place for young people all in the same to an institution. YAP works in partnership management that is grounded in a strengths- situation, YWCA is able to make them feel with state and local governments to reduce based approach. When young people begin, safe, comfortable, and supported. case managers do an initial assessment reliance on policies and practices that favor The success of the program speaks for itself. institutionalizing youth and to promote that identifies their barriers as well as their strengths. Because young people Nearly 80% of participants who exited the policies and practices that maximize the use program exited “positively.” That is, they of effective community-based alternatives. often struggle to identify their strengths, Randall reports that “being able to work did at least one of the following: attained with young women” to recognize their their GED, entered into more stable housing, talents is really important. Case managers got a job, or enrolled in post-secondary can then figure out barriers and needs, education or vocational training. In addition, and how to best address those. The Young a vast majority of those 80% achieved mul- Parent Program is extremely flexible by tiple positive outcomes.

12 Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Young Families Programmatic Comprehensive Dropout Recovery Interventions Challenges In our research, policy experts, nonprofit The Civic Marshall Plan (CMP) focuses on using evidence-based strategies leaders, and program managers all focused to address the dropout crisis and engages leading organizations from across on a central challenge: government-funded sectors to align their efforts with the CMP. Dropout recovery is one CMP systems are not designed with young fami- element that is especially relevant to OSOW youth because it calls for further lies in mind. The primary systems that affect investment in youth who are no longer enrolled in high school.* young families are early child education and YouthBuild USA is one example of a comprehensive and effective dropout care, K–12 education, welfare, workforce recovery intervention for low-income youth. When young people ages 16–24 development, higher education, child welfare, enroll in a YouthBuild program, they work full-time toward attaining a GED and justice. Each system has its own priorities or high school diploma and enhancing their job skills by building housing and requirements, typically centered on one for low-income community residents. They get paid a stipend for their work or just a few population groups. Systems that producing housing, and for this service, many also earn an AmeriCorps edu- primarily serve adolescents may not have a cation award toward post-secondary education. Besides providing youth with deliberate approach to adolescents who are responsibility, opportunities to develop skills, and leadership experiences, parents and living independently. Systems YouthBuild achieves results because programs create a positive mini- that primarily serve adults may be inaccessible community of adults and youth who are committed to each other’s success or less helpful to underage youth. Programs and where young people feel the active support and mentoring of caring that primarily serve childless adults may adults. After 6–24 months, YouthBuild graduates are ready for college or have performance goals that are unrealistic to continue their career in the construction industry. Twenty-six percent of for young persons who are parents. YouthBuild students are parents, and many state that they are powerfully As a result, government funding, regulations, motivated by a desire to provide security and opportunity to their children. and program requirements often hamper the * Balfanz, Robert; Bridgeland, John M.; Bruce, Mary; & Fox, Joanna Hornig. (2013). Building a ability of nonprofit human services and youth Grad Nation: Progress and Challenge in Ending the High School Dropout Epidemic. America’s development organizations to help young Promise Alliance. parents build promising futures for their families. Common barriers that nonprofit service providers encounter are fourfold. > Disparate Government-Funded Systems. > Doubling of Issues. By serving both The absence of high-level coordination, parent and child, the issues are “doubled.” conflicting goals, and different rules about Two-generation interventions need to legal age tend to hinder service providers’ have expertise in multiple systems and ability to tap into multiple programs needed to devote time in order to open multiple for young families’ development plans. doors and coordinate disparate services. In the case studies, the agencies work around > Funding Silos. Over the years, the devel- these barriers in part by employing specialists opment of funding silos has made it dif- who can navigate through and weave ficult for providers to cobble together together multiple systems. Collaborations the wide range of resources that young also partially mitigate these challenges. families need to get on their feet. But these types of work-arounds can be > Legal Age. Some systems may treat the resource-intensive and may not achieve young parent both as a minor and as the impact that would be possible if policy- a parent with full rights. For example, makers provided flexible funding and a teen parent may be living on his/her program structures that enable supports own, yet find that housing programs or to follow youth and families across systems. leasing companies require them to be at least 18 years. Or, a young parent may be aging out of foster care but yet be underprepared for managing a household, especially one with children.

National Human Services Assembly 13 Research Limitations More in-depth research is needed. Some program evaluations have or are quantifying and Recommendations the impact of two-generation approaches, but program funders do not consistently The findings described in this report are support systematic evaluations. Additional exploratory, as appropriate for the study quantitative analyses and program evalua- objective and design. The two primary tions would provide much needed insight limitations are the use of a convenience into the effect of program design on out- sample and reliance on agency self-reports comes. In the interim, service providers for the case studies. Follow-on research and others can turn to the National Youth should examine the findings in more depth, Employment Coalition’s Promising and such as with a full literature review, addi- Effective Practices Network for research- tional case studies, and site visits to collect based practices that are associated with other types of data. successful transitions to adulthood (see Even so, the process enabled NHSA to pro- textbox, page 15). file six programs that were quite diverse in Researchers, policymakers, service providers, populations served, goals, service mix, and and advocates must also look beyond best type of agency. That the heterogeneous practices to the complex interplay between programs had practices in common, and programming and public policy. By identify- that these practices have been recom- ing obstacles to high-quality interventions, mended in prior research, is a strength. work-arounds currently used, and effective policy support at the local, state, and federal levels, the field can scale up two- generation approaches. Organizations Contributing to the Research* Recommendations Adventist Community Services National Crittenton Foundation Alliance for Children and Families National Fatherhood Initiative Systematically addressing systems-level Association of Jewish Family National Urban League barriers to two-generation approaches would enable nonprofit agencies to serve and Children’s Agencies National Youth Employment Coalition more young families better than is currently Association of Junior Leagues Northern Virginia Urban League possible. A first step is shifting negative views International Prevent Child Abuse America that some decision makers have about OSOW Catholic Charities USA Salvation Army youth who are also parents. Experts and CenterLink practitioners in NHSA interviews reported Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division Child Trends widespread social bias against teen parents, Salvation Army high school dropouts, young people who Goodwill Industries Metropolitan Division (Chicago) had been involved in the justice system, International Search Institute and families experiencing homelessness. International Association The Dibble Institute Recently, the White House Council for of Jewish Vocational Services United Neighborhood Centers of America Community Solutions has made an effort Jewish Community Services to understand the needs of OSOW youth United Way Worldwide of Baltimore as well as the costs associated with their Jewish Family Service San Diego Volunteers of America lack of community connections.20 Lutheran Services in America Youth Advocate Programs YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish Martha O’Bryan Center YWCA USA National Center on Family Homelessness YouthBuild USA

*This program brief does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the individuals or organizations consulted in this research.

14 Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Young Families Second, change at the community level would entail developing ladders to connect National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) young families to opportunity. At the community level, AECF calls for: The National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) is a national membership > Expanding the availability of child care, network with more than 250 member organizations; about 40 percent of especially in schools and at the workplace. members offer education, training, employment services, early work experi- > Investing in education and workforce ence, and other supports to OSOW youth as they prepare for the job market. development systems that offer multiple For almost 20 years, NYEC has provided critical leadership in the youth work- pathways to success in communities with force preparation field through its Promising and Effective Practices Network high concentrations of OSOW youth. (PEPNet). This structured system enhances the quality of programs that prepare Because young families have different young people to become productive and self-sufficient workers, taxpayers, situations and goals, a single or inflex- parents, and citizens. NYEC’s efforts are grounded in substantial research ible pathway is unlikely to enable these linking high quality programs to successful outcomes. young parents to compete for good jobs. Three interrelated components in PEPNet elevate program quality by gradually > Improving the quality of jobs that employ building the capacity of organizations and programs to use effective practices. young people. Job quality is more than > PEPNet Quality Standards. Research-based practices that enable program wages that can support a family. Quality excellence and are associated with consistent outcomes related to successful also relates to supportive working transitions to adulthood. conditions, opportunities for career > PEPNet Tools. Resources and supports to help youth programs achieve advancement, and policies, such as PEPNet standards, such as the PEPNet Quality Self-Assessment and Quality flexible scheduling, that are responsive Improvement Planning Template. to personal caregiving responsibilities. > PEPNet People. A learning network of nationally recognized youth programs > Providing additional support to families and other professionals who share practical strategies, examples, and lessons 1 in which parents are OSOW youth. about successful efforts with youth. Third, governments at all levels can unlock PEPNet standards are grounded in a developmental approach that focuses on funding silos and give service providers building youth competencies and that takes a whole-person perspective that is more flexibility. The federal government inclusive of youths’ family context. The standards endorse the use of case man- has begun this process by establishing agers to weave together supports that help youth achieve their goals. This flexible the Interagency Working Group on Youth approach means that when youth are parents, case managers help young par- Programs. This group brings together 18 ents secure reliable childcare; gain access to food stamps, Medicaid, and other federal agencies that support programs and economic supports; and connect with other community resources for families. services focusing on youth. Coordinating According to Mala Thakur, Executive Director, the most effective service that youth investments is one way the group youth programs can provide is connecting a young person to a caring adult. strives to collectively improve youth out- This relationship empowers the young person to realize changes they need to comes. Specific tactics include aligning make “to go further in the labor market, re-engage in education, and address and simplifying federal guidance for youth risky behaviors or other challenges that may impede development, personally programs, coordinating youth program- or in the workforce.” NYEC also emphasizes using employment as a key ming and funding support at all levels of engagement tool. By helping to build job and soft skills, self-efficacy, and a government, and coordinating technical resume, employment opens up more doors to a young person than previously assistance efforts. The group also plans possible. Employment is a form of education that youth find relevant; further, to assess and disseminate models of col- working helps to expand their network, puts money in their pockets, and laboration and information about effective gives youth a chance to contribute to society. partnership strategies.21 State and local governments could adapt this federal model or create partnerships with stakeholders that find ways to assure programs seamlessly support young families as they progress toward economic independence.

National Human Services Assembly 15 Moving Forward Acknowledgements The future economic prosperity of the nation This research was funded by the Annie E. is directly tied to the capacity of today’s chil- Casey Foundation. We thank them for the dren and youth to contribute as the workers support but acknowledge that the findings and business owners, parents, and civic leaders and conclusions presented in this report are of tomorrow. With 1.4 million young parents those of the authors alone and do not neces- who are out-of-school and out-of-work, their sarily reflect the opinions of the Foundation. future—and that of our nation—is at risk. The National Human Services Assembly Utilizing a two-generation approach to recon- would like to thank our member organiza- nect OSOW young families with ladders of tions for giving of their time, information, opportunity is a promising strategy to change and expertise during the research process. this trajectory and interrupt the cycle of We would also like to thank a few researchers, poverty in communities nationwide. experts, and practitioners: Natalie Coupe, Kristen Moore, Kay Reed, Jen Rison, and The National Human Gene Roehlkepartain. Services Assembly would like to thank the Annie E. Casey Foundation Endnotes for making this research 1 The Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2012). Youth and Work: Restoring Teen and Young Adult Connection to Opportunity. Kids Count and report possible. Policy Report. 2 Aspen Institute. (2012). Two Generations, One Future: Moving Parents and Children Beyond Poverty Together. Ascend Report. 3 Redd Z, Karver TS, Murphey D, Moore KA, & Knewstub D. (2011). Two Generations in Poverty: Status and Trends among Parents and Children in the United States, 2000–2010. Child Trends Research Brief #2011–25. Washington, DC: Child Trends. 4 The Annie E. Casey Foundation. (n.d.). About Casey. Baltimore, MD: Author. 5 Shonkoff JP, Garner AS. (2011). The Lifelong Effects of Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress. Pediatrics 129(1): e232–e246. 6 Balfanz R, Bridgeland JM, Bruce M, Fox JH. (2013). Building a Grad Nation: Progress and Challenge in Ending the High School Dropout Epidemic. America’s Promise Alliance. 7 Breslau J, Lane M, Sampson N, & Kessler RC. (2008). Mental Disorders and Subsequent Educational Attainment in a U.S. National Sample. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 42(9), 708–716. 8 Finkelhor D, Turner H, Ormrod R, Hamby S, Kracke K. (2009). Children’s Exposure to Violence: A Comprehensive National Survey. Juvenile Justice Bulletin. 9 Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2011). Supporting Brain Development in Traumatized Children and Youth. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau. CONTRIBUTORS TO 10 Molino AC. (2007). Characteristics of Help-Seeking Street Youth and Non-Street Youth. National Symposium on Homelessness Research. THE DEVELOPMENT 11 Kennedy K. (2011). Experts: Half of foster kids quit high school. Boston Globe (Oct. 31). OF THIS DOCUMENT: 12 Child Trends. (2013). Youth Neither Enrolled in School Nor Working. Washington, DC: Author. 13 DeCandia CJ, Bassuk E. (2012). Meeting the Needs of Young Families Experiencing Homelessness: A Guide for Service Providers and Irv Katz, President Program Administrators. National Center on Family Homelessness, Strengthening At-Risk and Homeless Young Mothers and Children. 14 Search Institute. (2013). Developmental Relationships: A New Strategy for Search Institute and a New Emphasis for Youth Development and CEO, National and Education. Minneapolis, MN: Author. Human Services Assembly 15 Appleyard K, Berlin LJ. (2007). Supporting Healthy Relationships Between Young Children and Their Parents: Lessons from Attachment Theory and Research. Durham, NC: Duke University, Center for Child and Family Policy. Available from https://childandfamilypolicy. Karen Key, Executive duke.edu/pdfs/pubpres/SupportingHealthyRelationships.pdf Vice President and COO, 16 National Human Services Assembly. (2007). Family Strengthening Writ Large: On Becoming a Nation that Promotes Strong Families and Successful Youth. 24. Family Strengthening Policy Center. National Human 17 Golden O, McDaniel M, Loprest P, & Stanczyk A. (2013). Disconnected Mothers and the Well-Being of Children: A Research Report. Services Assembly Washington, DC: The Urban Institute. 18 Belfield CR, Levin HM, Rosen R. (2012). The Economic Value of Opportunity Youth. Civic Enterprises. Tara James, Director, 19 Corporation for National and Community Service. (2013). White House Council for Community Solutions. Available from: http://www. serve.gov/?q=site-page/white-house-council-community-services Policy and External 20 Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs. (2013). Pathways for Youth: Draft Strategic Plan for Federal Collaboration. Available Relations, National from: http://findyouthinfo.gov/docs/Pathways_for_Youth.pdf Human Services Assembly

Molly French, Copyright © 2013 by National Human Services Assembly Consultant, National Human Services Assembly Founded in 1923, the National Human Services Assembly is an association of leading human services providers. It was created by top national executives in the sector who believed their organizations could accomplish more collectively than individually to advance their missions and optimize performance. The Assembly has grown to include more than 80 members, Alexander Heit, Research mostly the national headquarters of service provider organizations. These organizations and their respective national Fellow, National Human networks collectively engaged with nearly every household in America—as consumers of services, donors, and volunteers. Services Assembly

16 Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Young Families