New York Tests Cash Assistance for Families Investigated by CPS

First-of-its-kind pilot program to provide cash assistance to families

Introduction

The New York state agency responsible for child welfare is launching a groundbreaking pilot program that aims to provide cash assistance to families reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) for poverty-related child neglect. The program will involve 150 families across three counties who will receive a monthly stipend of $500 for one year, starting in July. This pilot program, developed in partnership with a leading national research institute focused on cash transfer programs, aims to study the impact of universal cash stipends on families’ future interactions with the child welfare system.

Background

Research has shown that providing financial support to struggling families can help reduce CPS caseloads. However, this pilot program is the first government-run assistance program in the United States specifically designed to study the effects of cash transfers on CPS-involved families. The Office of Children and Family Services, in collaboration with the Center for Guaranteed Income Research at the University of Pennsylvania, will evaluate the program.

Program Objectives

The main objective of this pilot program is to determine how universal cash stipends impact families’ future contact with the child welfare system. By providing a monthly stipend, the program aims to ensure financial stability for low-income families, alleviate strain, and promote independence in meeting their needs. These factors are crucial in creating a nurturing environment for children’s well-being and overall family strength.

Program Evaluation

The Center for Guaranteed Income Research at the University of Pennsylvania, known for evaluating similar programs such as the “universal basic income” experiment in Stockton, California, will evaluate this pilot program. This evaluation will be the first time the Penn center assesses cash transfers for families under CPS investigation.

Addressing Poverty-related Concerns

Advocates argue that poverty is often mistaken for neglect, and the child welfare system is ill-equipped to address poverty-related concerns about child well-being and safety. According to a report from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, approximately 85% of families investigated by CPS have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line. The services offered by child welfare systems tend to focus on deficits and costly case management services, rather than addressing poverty directly.

Program Administration

Youth Research Incorporated, an organization working with the state child welfare agency, will support the families selected for the cash transfer. The organization will serve as the pilot administrator, ensuring the smooth implementation of this unique demonstration project.

Participant Criteria

To participate in the pilot program, families must have interacted with child protective services, but there should be no safety concerns for the child or the family.

Similar Programs

Similar pilot programs have been implemented in the past. For example, South San Francisco provided $500 monthly checks to 150 low-income families to spend as they chose. A study by the University of Pennsylvania found that recipients of the monthly payment experienced less income fluctuation and were able to pay down debt at higher rates compared to the control group. In Washington, D.C., a nonprofit launched a guaranteed income pilot program for low-income single Black mothers to prevent further involvement with child protective services. In contrast, New York’s pilot program will be government-run with no restrictions on race.

Conclusion

This first-of-its-kind pilot program in New York aims to provide cash assistance to families reported to CPS for poverty-related child neglect. By studying the impact of universal cash stipends on families’ future interactions with the child welfare system, the program seeks to address poverty-related concerns and promote financial stability for low-income families. The evaluation of this pilot program will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on cash transfer programs and their potential to reduce CPS caseloads while supporting struggling families.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis:

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article discusses a pilot program that provides cash assistance to families reported to CPS for poverty-related child neglect. This program aims to address poverty and its impact on child well-being, which aligns with SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Additionally, by providing financial stability and support to families, the program also contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by creating a nurturing environment for children.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
• Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

The program’s objective of providing cash assistance to families in poverty aligns with Target 1.3 under SDG 1. The goal is to implement social protection systems and measures to achieve substantial coverage of the poor and vulnerable. The program also contributes to Target 10.2 under SDG 10 by empowering and promoting the social and economic inclusion of families irrespective of their economic status. While the article does not explicitly mention child mortality, the program’s focus on improving child well-being indirectly supports Target 3.2 under SDG 3.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of the population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims and the poor and vulnerable.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, to measure progress towards Target 1.3 under SDG 1, Indicator 1.3.1 can be used to determine the proportion of the population covered by social protection systems, including the poor and vulnerable. Indicator 10.2.1 can be used to measure progress towards Target 10.2 under SDG 10 by assessing the proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: imprintnews.org

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.