This session will explore the emerging research on an expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for single adults. The EITC, a refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income working individuals and couples, is an effective way to make work pay for low-wage workers. However, many childless adults are ineligible for benefits. This session will explore emerging evidence on how expanding the EITC may improve self-sufficiency for low-income, single adults, including non-custodial parents. Carson Hicks (New York City Center for Economic Opportunity) will moderate this session, and Vicki Turetsky (Administration for Children and Families) will serve as a discussant.

• Paycheck Plus: Testing an Expanded EITC for Single Adults in New York City

Cynthia Miller (MDRC)

• Effects of an Expanded EITC on Labor Market Participation for Black and Latino Young Men

Ronald Mincy (Columbia University)

• Strengthening Families with Non-Custodial Parents: Effects of an Expanded EITC on Child Support

Elaine Sorensen (Administration for Children and Families) (conference program description)

These presentations were given at the 2014 Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference (WREC).

Strong skills are critical for success in the labor market and overall self-sufficiency. Yet, many low-income Americans lack the skills needed to obtain employment in the U.S. labor market. Moreover, as the skills needed for today’s jobs change, it is especially important to consider opportunities to promote skill-building among low-income individuals. This panel discussion, moderated by Paige Shevlin (Executive Office of the President), will aim to answer the question of how to increase skills for low-income Americans and move them into better jobs. Beginning with findings from the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development’s Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies Survey of Adult Skills, the panelists will discuss the implications of these findings for the American workforce, emerging approaches to address the earnings and skills gaps, and the potential use of apprenticeships as a tool to improve skills. Panelists are:

• Johan Uvin (U.S. Department of Education)

• Harry Holzer (Georgetown University and American Institutes for Research)

• Robert Lerman (American University and The Urban Institute) (conference program description)

This presentation was given at the 2014 Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference (WREC).

In recent decades, policymakers have invested in responsible fatherhood programs in light of emerging research that strengthening parenting among fathers promotes positive child outcomes. This session will focus on how fatherhood programs and policies can better serve fathers, children, and their families. The panelists will discuss recent research on the changing dynamics of fatherhood in relationships and families, and opportunities for promoting father-child bonds among low-income men and boys of color. Ben O’Dell (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) will moderate this panel. Panelists are:

• Kathryn Edin (Johns Hopkins University)

• Timothy Nelson (Johns Hopkins University)

• David Pate (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) (conference program description)

This presentation was given at the 2014 Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference (WREC).

The Maryland Network against Domestic Violence (MNADV) site provides an overview of the Lethality Assessment Program—Maryland Model (LAP). It also includes information about implementation of the model nationally. Created by MNADV in 2005, LAP is based on the Danger Assessment, a protocol created by Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell. Together with LAP, service providers use a tool called the Lethality Screen for First Responders -- an evidence-based series of questions -- used to assess an individual suspected of being in danger. Jurisdictions in at least 31 States have implemented LAP.

Authored by faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this series of reports focuses on poverty and food security. The report provides detailed analysis of statewide trends in poverty and food security by county in comparison with the State. In addition, it includes a discussion of possible implications for policies and programs.

This research study identifies different municipal financing tools which have been and might be implemented throughout the city of Seattle for workforce development programming. The report includes examples illustrating the process in which Seattle generates revenues to meet program expenditures, as well as current tools that the city utilizes in funding social benefit programs for its residents.

This resource packet contains guidance on integrating safety planning into policies, programs, and program evaluations. In addition, this packet of resources was compiled to guide advocates, systems practitioners, and policymakers on innovative thinking about the safety of women in surrounding communities. The resource offers a broadened perspective on safety evaluation for battered women and their children.

Authored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, this report presents an innovative approach to reducing poverty. It describes methods to help low-income families connect with early childhood education and job training; achieve financial stability; and break the cycle of poverty. In addition, the report recommends new ways to better equip parents and children with what they need to thrive.

Low-income families who do not receive TANF during periods of unemployment are often referred to as “disconnected.” This session will draw on recent qualitative and survey research, including OPRE-funded work, to examine how disconnected populations manage economically and investigate child well-being and overall family functioning in disconnected families. Emily Schmitt (Administration for Children and Families) will moderate this session. (conference program description)

• Understanding the Dynamics of Disconnection from Employment and Assistance

Heather Sandstrom (The Urban Institute)

Kristin Seefeldt (University of Michigan)

The presentation describes the results of qualitative research conducted to examine why single-mother families become disconnected from work and TANF, how these women manage financially, and what are the impacts for families while disconnected.

• The Well-Being of Low-Income Children in Families that are Disconnected from Work and Cash Assistance

Zakia Redd (Child Trends)

The presentation describes analyses conducted using data from the National Survey of Children's health to examine disconnected children and families, and how they differ from other low-income families.

These presentations were given at the 2014 Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference (WREC).

Emerging research from psychology and neuroscience suggests that healthy executive functioning is critical for behaviors such as goal-setting, self-regulation, planning, and problem-solving. This plenary session will address the implications of executive functioning research for human services programs and examine how emerging insights can strengthen programs designed to help families achieve self-sufficiency. LaDonna Pavetti (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities) will moderate this session. Panelists are:

• Elisabeth Babcock (Crittenton Women’s Union)

• Adele Diamond (The University of British Columbia)

• John Padilla (New Paradigms Consulting, LLC) (conference program description)

This presentation was given at the 2014 Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference (WREC).