NAWRS will host its next in-person workshop in summer 2017. In the meantime, NAWRS hosted a 2016 Virtual Series to engage members and share important information related to human service programs!
The theme was “Strengthening Vulnerable Families, What States and Localities Can Do”.
The virtual events explored:
- Implementation experiences and supports for state/local government to use random control trials to test innovative strategies with Mike Fishman
- State efforts in innovation with states and/or local government panelists who are implementing innovative strategies such as two generation programs and social impact bonds
- The future of the safety net, now that it has been 20 years since the passage of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
June Event: “Implementing Randomized Control Trials at the State and Local Level”
Watch the recording:
Date: June 29, 2016
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (EDT)
This NAWRS Research Academy webinar explored both implementation experiences and supports for state and local government to use randomized control trials (RCTs) to test innovative strategies for improving the effectiveness of human service programs and policies.
Presenters included Angela Hawken from BetaGov and Elizabeth Linos from the Behavioural Insights Team (working with What Works Cities). Each discussed their organization’s efforts to launch and support RCTs at the state and local level.
Jon Baron from the Arnold Foundation described current foundation efforts to support the use of RCTs in this arena.
Mike Fishman from MEF Associates moderated the session.
The webinar was sponsored by Abt Associates, a social policy research organization.
July Event: “Innovation in Human Service Strategies at the State and Local Level”
Watch the recording:
(You may find a higher resolution recording here.)
Date: July 20, 2016
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (EDT)
The webinar covered two strategies that offer different approaches to how we think about services for low-income families.
Presenters included Marjorie Sims from Ascend at the Aspen Institute, who discussed their efforts to help states implement Two-Generation Programs. Andrew Hysell of Kansas Reading Roadmap presented Reading Road Map, an early literacy program in Kansas that also uses TANF funds to provide services to parents of children engaged in the program. And Tim Pennell of Third Sector Capital presented on their work helping states and localities implement Social Impact Bonds or Pay for Success program models.
Angela Rachidi from the American Enterprise Institute for Policy Research moderated the session.
This webinar was sponsored by PCG Human Services.
September Event: “Reducing Poverty and Increasing Opportunity: Envisioning the Next 20 Years”
**Click Here to View the Recording**
Date: September 13, 2016
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (EDT)
NAWRS, in collaboration with the Urban Institute, brought together experts with various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to share their views and the evidence on successful strategies for reducing poverty and increasing opportunity.
Panelists included practitioners, researchers, and commentators with experiences at the local, state, and national levels. They discussed
- how creative two-generation strategies and innovative uses of data could address the causes and consequences of poverty;
- what roles federal, state, and local governments might play in developing and implementing strategies; and
- how to support and encourage work in the modern economy.
The event looked at promising strategies for the future, advancing the debate about how to promote opportunity for individuals and families in the next two decades.
Speakers:
- Uma Ahluwalia, director, Department of Health and Human Services, Montgomery County, Maryland
- Heather Hahn, senior fellow, Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population, Urban Institute
- Anne Kim, policy editor, Washington Monthly (moderator)
- Angela Rachidi, research fellow in poverty studies, American Enterprise Institute (and NAWRS Board member)
- Sisifo Taatiti, TANF program manager, Department of Workforce Services, Utah