Ever since the successful temporary expansion of the federal child tax credit (CTC) in 2021, state CTCs have become an increasingly common state policy to support families’ economic stability. Prior to the expansion, only 6
Learn how statewide paid family and medical leave (PFML) programs are financed through payroll contributions from workers and employers. This policy brief explores key decisions for funding PFML programs, including start-up funding, premium contributions, rate determination, and wage coverage.
Access to high-quality child care is essential for a family’s active workforce participation and children’s healthy development. Child care is not just a service—it is crucial infrastructure that supports economic stability and growth both for
Paid family and medical leave (PFML) is one of 12 evidence-based policies in our 2024 Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap, which details states’ progress toward adopting and implementing policies that effectively improve child and family wellbeing.
Community-based doulas are trained social service professionals who provide non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant parents, starting during pregnancy and continuing throughout the postpartum period. Community-based doulas are one of 12 evidence-based policies
A refundable state earned income tax credit (EITC) of at least 10 percent of the federal credit is one of 12 prenatal-to-3 policies included in our 2024 Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap, which details states’ progress
Child care subsidies provide essential financial support to make child care more affordable, assisting families as they navigate the challenges of balancing work, education, and training. Child care subsidies are one of 12 evidence-based policies
Financial hardship in early childhood can disrupt healthy brain development and compromise the foundation for long-term development and wellbeing. Because of discrimination in employment and education as well as unequal opportunities to build wealth, Black,
With most legislatures adjourned for the year, we recap the 2024 action on state policies to support children and families. So far this year, lawmakers throughout the country debated—and many passed—legislation that aligns with four key components of the prenatal-to-3 system of care.
States and community organizations can increase awareness of credits. Increasingly, the state and federal government use tax credits, such as the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit, to support families with low
