PolicyForResults.org

What Works

Research and on-the-ground experience can help you identify, develop and promote successful approaches that contribute to better conditions for children and families’ lives. Although scientifically rigorous research is lacking across many fields, other useful evidence (of multiple types) is available, ranging from state program evaluations to cost-benefit analyses.

Choose a PRIORITY, TOPIC or STRATEGY:

Priority: Ensuring Children are Healthy and Prepared to Succeed in School

Topics	Strategy

Improve early grade-level reading	Increase quality early care and education Improve K-3 academic success Support and strengthen vulnerable families Increase health care access

Under Construction
Low birth-weight babies
Births to Teens

Priority: Family Economic Success

Topics	Strategy

Expand economic opportunity and reduce child poverty	Improve job training Reduce predatory financial practices Expand tax relief for low-wage workers Expand work supports

Under Construction
Home foreclosures
Prisoner Re-entry

Priority: Preparing Youth to Succeed in Life

Topics	Strategy

Reduce juvenile detention	Develop alternatives to detention Require detention admission criteria Reduce racial disparities Mandate safe conditions of confinement

Under Construction
Teen binge-alcohol substance abuse
Voter registration, voting
College enrollment, completion
High School completion

Priority: Building Strong and Stable Families

Topics	Strategy

Increase exits from foster care to permanence
Through Reunification	Increase timely access to substance abuse treatment Expand intensive family preservation services Reduce court delays Require Family Involvement in Decision-Making
Through Adoption	Ensure adequate subsidy payments Establish a commission to identify barriers Provide for continuous court jurisdiction Examine timeframes for termination of parental rights Establish state adoption tax credits Fund post-adoption supports and services
Through Guardianship	Set adequate subsidy and benefit levels Ensure that cost savings can be retained for child welfare purposes Require child welfare agencies to fully inform caregivers about guardianship Require data-driven reports to the legislature

Under Construction
Child Abuse and Neglect