Household Economic Strengthening

Poverty is a leading cause of child separation.  Families may be torn apart by the stresses of trying to provide for their basic needs, and children may be abandoned or exploited for financial purposes.  Household economic strengthening aims to reduce a family’s vulnerability to poverty, increase economic independence, and improve people’s ability to provide for their children.  

Displaying 1 - 10 of 268

Melissa Kearney, Alden Barson,

This paper outlines a research agenda to guide the initial stages of work of the new Notre Dame Strengthening Families (NDSF) Research Initiative in the U.S. This initiative is focused on building knowledge around the economics of families and evidence-based ways to promote and strengthen healthy families.

New Economics Foundation,

This report exposes the severe harm temporary accommodation inflicts on children’s health, education, and wellbeing, with over 160,000 affected across England and rising numbers in London, particularly Southwark. It calls for urgent reforms—including stronger accountability, better inter-agency coordination, and dedicated support roles—to protect children’s rights and prevent lasting damage.

India Alternative Care Network (IACN) and Changing the Way We Care (CTWWC),

Strengthening Families in India: Framework & Guidance, jointly developed by India Alternative Care Network (IACN) and Changing the Way We Care (CTWWC), aims to consolidate existing knowledge, interventions, and promising practices led by government bodies and civil society organizations across India.

Rong Bai, Reeve Kennedy, Cyleste Collins, Dmitry Tumin, et. al,

This meta-analysis examines the impact of supportive housing on child welfare outcomes, focusing on whether it reduces foster care placements, facilitates family reunification, and decreases homelessness and subsequent child welfare reports in the United States.

Okoro Sunday Asangausung, Ebere James Okorie, Aniefiok Sunday Ukommi,

This study found that parental poverty is a key factor pushing children in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria into street life, where deprivation drives them to engage in delinquent activities such as theft, drug peddling, and begging. The findings highlight urgent gaps in child welfare and social protection, calling for targeted interventions to address poverty, improve access to education and healthcare, and strengthen support systems.

Institute for Security Studies (ISS), the INSPIRE Working Group, International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN),

Case studies from Peru, Cambodia and DRC provide lessons on how income support can contribute to keeping children safe.

Changing the Way We Care,

In Kenya, economic challenges often force families to place their children in residential care facilities (sometimes referred to as orphanages), leading to long-term negative impacts.

Changing the Way We Care,

This insight from Changing the Way We Care provides an overview of the household economic strengthening (HES) activities that were part of a holistic family strengthening approach in Kenya.

Ugo Gentilini - World Bank Group,

This paper brings together data, evaluations and practical experiences generated over the course of the pandemic to determine the impact of COVID-19 on cash transfers.

Robert D. Osei and Monica Lambon‐Quayefio - Review of Development Economics,

The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program is Ghana's first social protection program to provide cash and health insurance to the poor and vulnerable. This study looks beyond the direct impact of the program and examines the indirect impacts on labor transitions as well as the engagement of children and the elderly in the labor market.