Research and Reports Resources
2-Generation Case Study, Issue 1 - Using master leasing to support Olmsted County families | Minnesota Department of Human Services and Olmsted County
In September 2018, Olmsted County began using master lease programs to provide shelter to community members experiencing barriers to housing. Master leases allow leaseholders to rent to third parties during the period of the master lease. Olmsted’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority has developed master leases with local property owners to provide housing to participants in two Olmsted County social service programs. The master lease provides a flexible way to supply lodging to people by removing obstacles to housing while reducing risk for property owners.
2-Generation Case Study, Issue 2 - Collaborative evaluation | Minnesota Department of Human Services and White Earth Nation
As part of the Minnesota 2-Generation Policy Network, White Earth Nation and the Minnesota Department of Human Services partnered on White Earth Coordination Assessment Resource and Education (WECARE), an initiative to provide wraparound services to individuals seeking assistance from Tribal programs. This collaboration also included program evaluation and data analysis. They leveraged the department's evaluation and analysis experience, commitment to evaluation and rich data of WECARE. This partnership provides an example of an effective collaboration, and how institutions can work together to achieve positive outcomes. Collaborative analysis of data collected by WECARE may lead to effective program changes that will better serve White Earth Nation citizens. Tribal and department staff worked together to analyze data in ways that honors participants, creating potential for strengthening program policy.
Policy and practice barriers study: A Direct Service Perspective | Minnesota Department of Human Services
Department of Human Services staff interviewed those working in the 2-Gen partner sites in service coordination roles such as employment counselor, navigator and coach in 2018. The goal was to identify common challenges when families are served by multiple organizations, stress points within social services programs and other administrative hurdles creating barriers for families working toward stability. Northside Achievement Zone, Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood and Olmsted County Human Services, Economic Assistance and Employment Supports Division staff grounded questions about systemic barriers by asking interviewees to select families served by their agencies, providing perspective on systemic barriers and unmet needs for each family.
Results First Initiative | Minnesota Department of Management and Budget
Minnesota is a leader is a leader in evidence-based policymaking. The Results First Initiative uses rigorous research, local expertise, and data to give policymakers valuable information when making decisions. These resources can help shape your whole family approach.
2-Generation Administrative Data Brief, Issue 1 - Income variability of families on cash assistance in Minnesota | Minnesota Department of Human Services
This report explores the considerable income instability for all new families enrolling in the Minnesota Family Investment Program from 2013 to 2016. It makes clear that families’ incomes, without the program’s cash grants, vary to the degree that it would be almost impossible for a family to know from one month to the next if they had the income to cover expenses.
2-Generation Administrative Data Brief, Issue 2 - The effect of child support disregard on MFIP grant | Minnesota Department of Human Services
This report uses data to examine the effect of the child support disregard on Minnesota Family Investment Program grant amounts and child support payments. The department found that the disregard significantly positively affects the Minnesota Family Investment Program grant and is associated with higher child support payments for children.
Early Childhood Systems Reform: American Indian Report | Minnesota Department of Human Services
This report summarizes how American Indians experience early childhood system barriers and failures and defines problems in the system. It responds to the lack of American Indian inclusion and involvement in government attempts to reduce American Indian racial disparities and improve early childhood policies affecting this community.
Early Childhood Systems Reform 2017 Final Report | Minnesota Department of Human Services
This report gives an overview of the first year of the Early Childhood Systems Reform project.
The Family Resource Simulator: Two Decades of Impact | National Center for Children in Poverty
This report highlights key state policy successes achieved due to Family Resource Center analyses from 2004- 2017.
Twenty-eight million working families and individuals rely on public benefits, such as childcare subsidies, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, SNAP, free school lunch, EITC , or free pre-K to make ends meet. However, public benefit programs sometimes penalize families as they earn more. Program administrators and policymakers have the power to improve and streamline program rules. Still, they need up-to-date, comprehensive data tools that show how benefits packages impact working families' budgets. The Family Resource Simulator, a publicly available online data tool, puts power in the hands of working families with low incomes, advocates and program administrators. The first of its kind when it was launched in 2003, the simulator allows users to assess the impact of the eligibility rules and support levels provided by comprehensive benefits packages on family budgets tailored to specific situations and geographic locations.