HIGHLIGHTS
- How can we improve the circumstances of expectant and parenting young families?
- Abt is conducting data reviews, interviews, and site visits.
- Abt will capture and disseminate successful strategies and lessons learned.
The Challenge
Early childbearing can have significant health, social, and economic impacts on young parents and their children. Finding ways to improve the circumstances of expectant and parenting young families and address their diverse needs has been a long-standing priority of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Population Affairs (OPA). OPA contracted Abt Global to identify successful strategies and lessons learned from the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) grant program, which for the past nine years has funded states and tribal organizations to provide a network of services to support young families.
The Approach
Abt is conducting a review and synthesis of past and current PAF program data, through which Abt and OPA will identify topics aligned with the needs and interest of the field and key stakeholders. These topics will guide the development of briefs and corresponding in-depth case studies, which will synthesize data from the data review, phone interviews, and site visits.
The Results
By synthesizing and disseminating findings from briefs and case studies through conference presentations, national webinars, infographics, and summaries, study findings will reach a range of audiences who will be able to apply them to better serve expectant and parenting young families. This work ultimately aims to improve programs and services to better meet the diverse needs and improve the well-being of these young families.