Social Services Research and Demonstration

Objectives: The Social Services Research and Demonstration program (SSRD) was authorized to promote research and demonstration projects related to the prevention and reduction of dependency, or to improve the administration and effectiveness of programs intended to prevent or reduce dependency. Projects funded under SSRD include the Behavioral Interventions Scholars, the Center for Research on Hispanic Children and Families, the National African American Child and Family Research Center, the National Research Center on Poverty and Economic Mobility, the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot, the Affordable Housing and Supportive Services demonstration, and the Medical Legal Partnerships Plus demonstration. The objectives of the Behavioral Intervention Scholars are to 1) support studies that apply a behavioral science lens to specific research questions relevant to social services programs and policies and other issues facing low-income families, and 2) add to the growing body of knowledge on effective behavioral interventions for ACF programs and populations. The objectives of the Center for Research on Hispanic Children and Families are to lead and support research on the needs of 1) the Hispanic populations served by ACF, and 2) on promising approaches to promote social and economic well-being among low-income Hispanic families. The objectives of the National African American Child and Family Research Center are to lead and support research on 1) the assets, needs, and experiences of African American families and children served by ACF programs, and 2) on promising approaches to address economic and social inequities and, ultimately, to promote social and economic well-being among low-income African American families. The objectives of the National Research Center on Poverty and Economic Mobility are to fund projects and programs designed to 1) improve the effectiveness of public policies that reduce poverty, inequality, and their consequences, 2) promote economic mobility and equity, and 3) further develop knowledge of the structural causes of poverty, inequality, and economic insecurity. The objectives of the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot are to evaluate the ability of community action agencies, social services agencies, and other non-profit community organizations to provide diapers and diapering supplies on a consistent basis through diaper distribution programs while also providing wraparound support services for families with low incomes. The objectives of the Affordable Housing and Supportive Services demonstration are to test the outcomes of strengthening wraparound supportive services for residents of affordable housing on individual and family safety, stability, and economic mobility. The objectives of the Medical Legal Partnerships Plus demonstration are to 1) provide support for medical-legal partnerships to build, expand, and strengthen their capacity to provide comprehensive legal services and wraparound social services to families with low incomes, and 2) to test the outcomes of these activities.