This article from the Future of Children Collaboration examines programs with an explicitly two-generation approach. The authors look at these past and current programs’ efficacy, and although the more recent two-generation programs are too young to have clear evidence, they found that the justification for these programs is strong and their early results are promising. Now is the time to innovate, experiment, and further study this two-generation approach.

Produced by the National Head Start Association with support from the Ascend project at The Aspen Institute, this report highlights six case studies from Head Start and Early Head Start programs that have implemented two-generation approaches within their programs. Each case study includes information on the project design, funding, partnerships, research, and future plans. Finally, an analysis of funding, partnerships, and research across all the programs is provided for a broad perspective.

This paper published by the Institute for Research on Poverty examines the effect of Medicaid expansions on intergenerational economic mobility. Using new data, the authors utilize the uneven Medicaid eligibility expansions across states to isolate the effect of this policy change on various mobility outcomes. The research led to the conclusion that Medicaid expansions increase the probability that children born to low-income parents experience absolute upward mobility. Furthermore, early exposure to health insurance may be influential in promoting intergenerational mobility and economic opportunity.

The report from First Focus provides a historical context and lessons learned on two-generation approaches to reducing poverty. The author discusses three policy areas to implement two-generation approaches, including Head Start, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training, and TANF.

Two Generations. One Future: An Anthology from the Ascend Fellowship at the Aspen Institute, edited by Dr. Christopher King, Dr. P. Lindsay Chase-Lansdale, and Dr. Mario Small, offers insights into 2-Gen 2.0 approaches spearheaded by 20 leaders from across sectors, including the fields of human services, mental health, justice-involved families, and early childhood. It is divided into four sections: 1) Underpinnings of two-generation strategies, 2) Addressing and empowering families, 3) Innovative policies and programs, and 4) Evaluating and fostering two-generation strategies. Led by the inaugural class of Aspen Institute Ascend Fellows, the Anthology offers the latest and most comprehensive picture of the two-generation field and its challenges, successes, and lessons.

Infants, toddlers, and children living in high-poverty communities experience a high rate of exposure to trauma, placing these youth on a compromised developmental path. This issue brief summarizes research about the impact of trauma on young children, and possible intervention strategies that could protect them from the many adverse effects of trauma. These interventions support parents in providing the stable and nurturing caregiving that is necessary for young children’s developmental growth and promoting children’s sense of safety and security. The implementation of such interventions can potentially reduce or provide a buffer against traumatic experiences for these infants and toddlers. Additionally, the brief describes how child care, Early Head Start, home visitation, and child welfare could become trauma-informed infant and toddler service delivery systems.

This website offers resources to prepare for the implementation of WIOA. The resources include early implementation guidance, WIOA transition authority for immediate implementation of governance provisions, and a Department of Labor news release on WIOA Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register.

This blog post from ACF’s Family Room Blog highlights recent efforts by American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth to improve their communities and address systematic problems including teen suicide, school drop-outs, and drug and alcohol abuse. Last year, the Generation Indigenous Initiative (Gen-I) was founded to focus on the future of Indian Country at both policy and grassroots levels. Gen-I is “based on the premise that hope is contagious” and that “positive actions can beat negative outcomes.” They will focus on partnerships with Tribal leaders, community members, and other youth.

This "Dear Colleague Letter," issued by the Office of Family Assistance in the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, discusses the new roles for state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs under WIOA and the rule-making process.

On April 28, 2015, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Employment and Training Administration's (ETA) Sector Strategies Technical Assistance Initiative, in conjunction with panelists from the Colorado Workforce Development Council, Philadelphia Works, National Fund for Workforce Solutions, and employer partners, presented a webinar that shared what it means to have a sector partnership driven by industry. From setting the agenda to helping design and deliver workforce services, watch the webinar to learn how broad and deep industry engagement can work at both the state and local levels, yielding great results for employers and workers.