Family Impact
Why is it Important to Assess Family Impact?
Most policymakers wouldn’t think of passing a bill without asking, “What’s the economic impact?” The Policy Institute for Family Impact Seminars encourages policymakers to routinely ask what the impact of policies or programs might be for families. To learn more about why family impact analysis is important and what it can accomplish, several new (and old) resources are available on this page.
The Family Impact Rationale: An Evidence Base for the Family Impact Lens
Families have long been endorsed as a basic building block of a strong and vital society. Investments in family policies and programs can create the conditions for families to do their best in rearing the next generation, in economically supporting their members, and in caring for those who cannot always care for themselves. When the family foundation is strong today, children are more likely to develop the solid foundation they need for tomorrow—to become competent workers in a sound economy and caring, committed citizens in a strong democracy. Yet despite the many important contributions they make to society, families are rarely addressed in the normal routines of policy and program development, implementation, and evaluation. This Family Impact Rationale defines the family impact lens, describing how it can be used, who would find it useful, and what it can accomplish. It presents the empirical and theoretical rationale for promoting the family impact lens in policies and practice. It looks back at the history of family impact analysis and looks forward to its relevance for contemporary families in a changing society. The Rationale is a companion to the Family Impact Handbook that provides detailed “how to” procedures and tools for operationalizing family support.
The Family Impact Handbook: How to View Policy and Program Through the Family Impact Lens
This Family Impact Handbook operationalizes “how to” bring the family impact lens to policy and practice. One of its features is a Family Impact Toolkit that provides key definitions, key procedures, and key tools of use to legislative and agency staff, policy analysts, human service professionals, program or organization staff, policy and program evaluators, educators, and others. Based on a review of the latest research on families, five principles are identified that form the core of assessing policies and programs for their support of family well-being. Step-by-step procedures are given for three methods—raising the family impact discussion starters, using the family impact checklists, and conducting family impact analysis. Several case studies apply the family impact lens using different methodologies in varied settings. Several examples of family impact analyses are listed along with tools, tips, and cautions.
The Family Impact Guide for Policymakers: Viewing Policies Through the Family Lens
When economic questions arise, economists are routinely consulted for economic data and forecasts. When family questions arise, policymakers can turn to family scientists for data and forecasts to make evidence-informed decisions. The Family Impact Guide for Policymakers was developed to help policymakers bring the family impact lens to policy decisions.
Family Policy Matters: How Policymaking Affects Families and What Professional Can Do
If you are an instructor interested in making family policy come alive for undergraduate and graduate students, check out the third edition of Karen Bogenschneider’s book, Family Policy Matters: How Policymaking Affects Families and What Professional Can Do. This best-selling text integrates the latest research and cutting-edge practice to make an evidence-based case for family policy. It uses examples from around the globe to explain how families support society and how policies support families. The book also moves beyond analysis to action with pragmatic processes and procedures for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of policies by viewing them through the lens of family impact. Intended for advanced undergraduate and/or graduate courses in family or social policy taught in human development and family studies, psychology, counseling, social work, sociology, public policy, home economics, consumer science, and education, researchers and practitioners alike appreciate this book’s integration of theory, research, and practice.
For instructors and students looking for case studies from the Ooms and Preister booklet, A Strategy for Strengthening Families, click here to access the applicable passage. The main content of this booklet has been updated within the Family Impact Rationale and Handbook described above.
Family Impact Resources
Learn why family impact is important to policy and practice today and in the past. Learn how to conduct family impact analyses using checklists, procedures, tips, and helpful tools. Check out examples of family impact analysis of programs and policies. Review newsletters and briefs that explain to policymakers the value of viewing issues through the family impact lens. Learn about state policies, federal laws, and international efforts to require or promote family impact analysis.
- Family Impact Analyses
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Differential Response: A Family Impact Analysis – Kristin Abner and Rachel Gordon, 2012
Developing an Early Childhood and Education Program: Implications from a Family Impact Analysis of the Child-Parent Center Program – Stephanie Eddy, 2012
Viewing After-School Programs Through a Family Impact Lens – Woon Kyung Lee, 2012
A Family Perspective on the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 – Mary Breidenbach, 2003
A Family Perspective on Home Visiting Programs – Jennifer Park, 2003
A Family Perspective on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C: Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities – Elizabeth Gross, 2003
A Family Perspective of the Mental Health Parity Act – Karla Balling, 2003
A Family Perspective on a Program for Bone Marrow Transplantation of Adults – Linda Young, 2003
A Family Perspective on a Temperament Based Parenting Program – Carol Ostergren, 2003
A Family Perspective on Transracial Adoption – Maureen Ittig, 2003
- Newsletters and Briefing Report Chapters for Policymakers
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A Policymaker’s Guide to Effective Juvenile Justice Programs: How Important are Family Approaches? – Report Chapter by Carol Anderson and Karen Bogenschneider, 2007
A Policymaker’s Guide to Long-Term Care in Wisconsin: Public, Private, and Family Perspectives – Report Chapter by Heidi Normandin and Karen Bogenschneider, 2006
Family Involvement in Education: How Important Is It? What Can Legislators Do? – Report Chapter by Karen Bogenschneider and Carol Johnson, 2004
Why Is Family Involvement in Education Important? – Newsletter Article by Karen Bogenschneider, Beth Gross, and Carol Johnson, 2004
New Study Shows Children of Incarcerated Mothers Experience Multiple Challenges – Newsletter Article by Julie Poehlmann, 2003
Families High on Policymaker and Public Agendas – Newsletter Article by Beth Gross, Bettina Friese, Carol Johnson, Jennifer Reiner, and Karen Bogenschneider, 2002
Families Are Key to Curbing Health Care Costs – Newsletter Article by Beth Gross, Carol Johnson, Karen Bogenschneider, and Bettina Friese, 2002
Does Early Childhood Education Have Effects 15 Years Later? – Newsletter Article by Bettina Friese, Karen Bogenschneider, Karla Balling, and Jessica Mills, 2001
Do We Know What Good Parenting Is? And Can Public Policy Promote It? – Report Chapter by Dave Riley and Karen Bogenschneider, 1999
- State Policies Requiring Family Impact Analysis
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Colorado Executive Order D 001 00: Protection of Families Policy by Gov. Bill Owens – 2000
Illinois Social Services: Inclusion of Family Impact Statements (see p. 4) – 1997
Louisiana Administrative Procedure Act §972: Family Impact Statements – 1998
Louisiana Rev Stat C49:972: Family Impact Statement; Issues to be Considered; Procedure; Penalty – 2011
Montana H.B. 625: Family Impact Statements – 1999
Nebraska Rev Stat §43-532: Family Policy; Declaration; Legislative Findings – 1998
Nebraska Rev Stat §43-533: Family Policy; Guiding Principles – 1998
Nebraska Rev Stat §43-534: Family Policy; Annual Statement Required – 2012
Ohio H.B. 243: Relating to State Agency Family Impact Policy Considerations – 2005
Oregon S.B. 1290: Relating to State Agency Family Impact Policy Considerations – 1999
Oregon H.B. 3864: Relating to Family Impact Statements – 2001
South Carolina G.B. 543: Family Impact Statement – 1996
Utah H.J.R. 2: Joint Rules Resolution–Family Impact Statement on Legislation – 2005
Utah Code 62A-4a-119: Division Required to Produce “Family Impact Statement” with Regard to Rules – 2000
Virginia H.B. 1212: Administrative Process Act; Family Impact Statement – 1998
- Federal Laws Requiring Family Impact Analysis
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Executive Order 12606: The Family by President Ronald Reagan – 1987
- International Efforts to Promote Family Impact Analysis
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Alberta’s Family Friendly Community Checklist – 1994
New South Wales Family Impact Commission Bill – 2003
New South Wales Family Impact Commission Bill (Debate Transcript) – 2003
New Zealand Family Impact Statement on “WorkChoices” – 2005
New Zealand’s Methodologies for Analysing the Impact of Public Policy on Families – 2005
- Current Family Impact Documents (2000 and beyond)
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America’s Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2012 – Katherine K. Wallman, 2012 (published annually since 1997)
Families are the Cornerstone – Karen Bogenschneider, 2012
Final Report: Community Solutions for Opportunity Youth – White House Council for Community Solutions, 2012
Preventing Child Maltreatment and Promoting Well-Being: A Network for Action – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau, 2012
Bringing Families to the Table: Recommendations and Next Steps from the National Policy Forum for Family, School, and Community Engagement – Heather B. Weiss, Elena Lopez, and Heidi Rosenberg, 2011
Family Policy: Becoming a Field of Inquiry and Subfield of Social Policy – Karen Bogenschneider and Thomas J. Corbett, 2010
NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Family Caregivers of Older Adults – National Association of Social Workers, 2010
Commentary from the National Family, School, and Community Engagement Working Group on the Race to the Top Fund – Harvard Family Research Project, 2009
Evidence Based Practice in Strengthening Families and Preventing Child Maltreatment – Margaret McKenna, 2009
The Strengths of Poor Families – Sherylls Valladares and Kristin Anderson Moore, 2009
Through a New Lens: Toward a Fundamental Reframing of “the Client” – National Human Services Assembly, 2009
CW360°: A Comprehensive Look at a Prevalent Child Welfare Issue. Children of Incarcerated Parents – Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, 2008
Retooling for an Aging America: Building the Health Care Workforce – Institute of Medicine, 2008
Family Strengthening Writ Large: On Becoming a Nation that Promotes Strong and Successful Youth – Family Strengthening Policy Center, 2007
Home Visiting: Strengthening Families by Promoting Parenting Success – Family Strengthening Policy Center, 2007
The Economic Benefits of High-Quality Early Childhood Programs: What Makes the Difference? – Ellen Galinsky, 2006
Strengthening America’s Families: An Agenda for Municipal Leaders – Julie Bosland, 2005
Indicators of Child, Family, and Community Connections – Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Department of Health and Human Services, 2004
Parental Involvement in Education – Family Strengthening Policy Center, 2004
Trends in the Well-Being of America’s Children and Youth – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2003 (published annually from 1995-2003)
Health Insurance is a Family Matter – Institute of Medicine, 2002
Mixed Income Housing’s Greatest Challenge: Strengthening America’s Neighborhoods While Reaching Our Lowest-Income Families – NeighborWorks Reinvestment Corporation, 2002
Supporting Parents as Leaders: Stories of Dedication, Determination, and Inspiration – Institute for Responsive Education Parent Leadership Exchange Project, 2002
Strengthening Couples and Marriage in Low-Income Communities – Theodora Ooms, 2001
Family Policy: An Introduction – Karen Bogenschneider and Elizabeth Gross, 2000
- Historical Family Impact Documents (prior to 2000)
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Coming Together for Children and Families – John Hutchins, 1998
Effective Family Strengthening Interventions – Karol Kumpfer and Rose Alvarado, 1998
Partnerships for Stronger Families: Building Intergovernmental Partnerships to Improve Results for Children and Families – Christina Macy and Jeanne Jehl, 1997
Building Strong Communities: Crafting a Legislative Foundation – The Finance Project, 1996
Where is the Family in Comprehensive Community Initiatives for Children and Families? – Theodora Ooms, 1996
How to Impact Public Policy for Families – Georgia Stevens, 1995
Impacting Private Sector Policy For Families – Georgia Stevens, 1995
Taking Families Seriously: Family Impact Analysis as an Essential Policy Tool – Theodora Ooms, 1995
A Communitarian Position Paper on the Family – The Communitarian Network, 1993
From “Good Enough” to “Best Possible”: An Assessment Tool for the Child and Family Services Plan – Elena Cohen and Theodora Ooms, 1993
The Child Care and Development Block Grant Program: A Family Impact Assessment – Family Policy Report 2(1), by COFO, 1992
Principles of Family-Centered Health Care: A Heath Care Reform White Paper – Family Policy Report 2(2), by COFO, 1992
Responsive Communitarian Platform – The Communitarian Network, 1992
Drug Abuse is a Family Issue: Family Assessment of the Drug & Alcohol Treatment and Prevention Improvement Act of 1990, S. 2649 – Family Policy Report 1(3), by COFO, 1991
Protecting Children by Strengthening Families: A Family Impact Assessment of Two Child Welfare Bills – Family Policy Report 1(4), by COFO, 1991
Families and Long-Term Care: An Issue for the 1990s – Family Policy Report 1(2), by COFO, 1990
Introduction – Family Policy Report 1(1), by COFO, 1990
Questions and Answers About Family-Centered Policymaking – COFO, 1989
A Strategy for Strengthening Families: Using Family Criteria in Policymaking and Evaluation – Theodora Ooms and Steven Preister, 1988
Open Letter to Presidential Candidates and Public Officials – COFO, 1988
- Family Impact Checklists
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The Family Impact Checklist for Assessing the Impact of Policies on Families
Family/School Partnership Checklist
Family Friendly Community Checklist
Family-Centered Adolescent Treatment Checklist
Family-Focused Assessment of a State’s Child and Family Services Plan
A Checklist for Assessing the Family Impact of School Policy
Evaluating School Funding Formulas Checklist: What Questions Should Legislators Ask?
Early Care and Education Policies Checklist (Draft)
Assessing the Impact of Child Care Centers on Families: A Checklist for Child Care Center Directors
Assessing the Impact of Child Care Centers on Families: A Checklist for Child Care Center Staff
- Additional Family Impact Tools
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Family Impact Discussion Starters
Conducting a Family Impact Analysis of Rules, Legislation, Laws, or Programs
Conducting a Family Impact Analysis of an Agency or Organization
10 Tips for Conducting a Family Impact Analysis
Since 1976, Federal Family Impact Seminars
Building capacity for family centered policymaking. Read more...
ASPA publishes Researcher–Policymaker Partnerships book
Strategies for launching and sustaining successful collaborations. Read more...
Family-Focused Foster Care seminars conducted throughout US
With support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, WI, NC, MA, VA, RI, NC, and LA held Family Impact Seminars on Family-Focused Foster Care Policy.
Policy Options to Address Youth Trauma
Massachusetts focuses FIS on Policy Options to Address Youth Trauma.
Homelessness and Families
Utah focuses FIS on Impacts and Cost Estimates of Homelessness and Families.