This study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service provides a national analysis about the state of household food security. National data identifies food insecurity prevalence by selected household characteristics, level…

This National Academy for State Health Policy report spotlights initiatives undertaken by Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Virginia to combat the opioid crisis and support citizens affected by opioid use. Interviews conducted with state officials in…

This qualitative review by the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation seeks to understand the experiences of children in poverty as part of an initiative to learn more about low-income children and families from their own perspectives. After…

The paper from Jobs for the Future reviews and make recommendations about the community-focused approach to federal policy and investments. Also known as “place based,” community-focused efforts have two objectives: 1) improve the integration,…

Historically, low-income students have been identified in schools by receipt of the federal free or reduced lunch program, but this measure is becoming irrelevant and misleading as more districts offer “community eligible” free lunches to all…

The continuing opioid crisis is a major public health issue, and it extends across the domains of public assistance programs and workforce development as well. This report by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation and the…

Skill development and job or educational training are essential tools for low-income or low-skilled workers to increase their labor market prospects and decrease their unemployment rates, so Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) provide these…

Living in safe “opportunity neighborhoods” that provide quality services, employment, and schools is a recognized way for children and families to increase their economic opportunities and class mobility. The authors of this Urban Institute paper…

In response to several proposed federal changes to safety net program requirements, the Urban Institute developed a Well Being and Basic Needs Survey (WBNS) and published a report on the status of individual and family health and well-being. The…

In accordance with federal interests, the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation funded a report on the challenges of and potential solutions for measuring TANF employment outcomes. Creating national standards would be a significant challenge…