Access to critical family support programs varies across states. Robust measures and analysis can aid understanding of these differences and inform policy solutions. The central goal of the Supporting Families Data Hub is to provide easy-to-understand data to help policymakers support families so children can thrive.
Collaboration between Mathematica and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and its partners aim to bring the needs of children and their families to the forefront of national and state policy agendas. In collaboration with the foundation, Mathematica developed a suite of family support measures and compiled resources to highlight how programs that support families differ in eligibility, accessibility, and level of support across states. Mathematica developed tools and measures to:
- Illuminate differences in access to essential family support programs.
- Provide policymakers and stakeholders with data-driven insights.
- Highlight variations in eligibility, accessibility, and appeal across states.
- These resources empower users to identify barriers, design solutions, and advocate for policies that strengthen family support systems nationwide.
Acronym Glossary
Here are some acronyms you may encounter on this website:
- CACFP: Child and Adult Care Food Program. A federal program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults in child care or adult care settings.
- CDCTC: Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. A federal tax credit that helps families offset the costs of child or dependent care they need in order to work or look for work.
- CTC: Child Tax Credit. A federal tax credit designed to support families with children by reducing their tax liability.
- EITC: Earned Income Tax Credit. A refundable tax credit for eligible working individuals and families, particularly those with children.
- SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. A program that helps families purchase nutritious food with a SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
- TANF: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Provides financial assistance and support services to families in need.
- UBI: Universal Basic Income. A proposed program in which individuals would receive a regular, unconditional sum of money from the government, regardless of income or employment status. This program is not currently provided at the federal level.
- WIC: Women, Infants, and Children. A program providing nutrition support for eligible pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.