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Better results for kids and families through research-informed policy

Financing and Investing in Results: What does it take?

  • A compelling vision. Powerful visions – such as clear and compelling goals for improving children’s lives – are magnets for resources.
  • Aligning financing with results. The goal is to invest in policies, programs and practices that research and experience indicate will contribute to better results for children. Policymakers can act to ensure that desired results drive financing, instead of available funding driving policy and programs.
  • Effective use of existing resources. The number one financing priority is to use resources that you already have to pay for better results. Fiscally responsible approaches that are accountable to taxpayers focus on spending existing funds in more effective ways.
  • Packaging financing. No single financing approach will support the change required to achieve ambitious targets for improving children’s lives. The best results are accomplished with financing packages that draw from a wide array of resources, instead of getting stuck on a single funding stream or financing approach.
  • Leveraging resources. Even small amounts of money can be leveraged to have positive impact. For example, grants from foundations or the federal government can provide seed money for shifting investments.
  • Local-state-federal-private financing partnerships. Federal policies, funding streams, and regulations have an enormous impact on the well-being of state residents. Likewise, communities are dramatically affected by both state and federal financing. While cost shifting across levels of government can have dire consequences, carefully crafted agreements developed in partnership can provide powerful incentives for change.

How can policymakers invest in preventing teen and unplanned pregnancy?

Teen childbearing in the United States costs taxpayers at least $9.1 billion (2006). Most expenditures are associated with negative consequences for the children of teen mothers, including increased costs for health care, foster care, and incarceration. [1] For more on the public costs of teen childbearing.

[1] Hoffman, S. (2006). By the Numbers: The Public Costs of Teen Childbearing. Washington, DC: National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

Covering contraceptives saves employers money. Employer provided contraceptive coverage resulted in significant cost-savings (from financial savings and health gains) compared to those who provided no contraceptive coverage for their employees. For example, the per person cost savings of those using oral contraceptives was $8,227, approximately $8,996 for the vaginal ring, and $8,770 for monthly injectables. For more information.