Cohort 1: 2-Generation Policy Network (2016 - 2021)
2-Generation Network Projects 2017 - 2024: The Development, Implementation, and Learning from Whole Family Approaches
In 2016, EAESD came under new leadership and the Division Director was committed to working as an agent for racial equity and systems change and to improving how the Department contracted, funded, learned, and worked with partnering agencies. The new Director sought out innovative ways of financing and operationalizing the work of the Department to engage community partners to make systems change. To meet the needs of both children and their parents, the Department focused on providing comprehensive and coordinated care through seven key areas: education, economic assistance, career pathways, well-being, social capital, health and mental health, and affordable housing. The 2-Gen Policy Network was tasked with leveraging the resources and expertise of partners to create a more comprehensive and practical approach through the coordination and reimagining of services.
2-Generation Case Study, Issue 1 - Using master leasing to support Olmsted County families | Minnesota Department of Human Services and Olmsted County
In September 2018, Olmsted County began using master lease programs to provide shelter to community members experiencing barriers to housing. Master leases allow leaseholders to rent to third parties during the period of the master lease. Olmsted’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority has developed master leases with local property owners to provide housing to participants in two Olmsted County social service programs. The master lease provides a flexible way to supply lodging to people by removing obstacles to housing while reducing risk for property owners.
2-Generation Case Study, Issue 2 - Collaborative evaluation | Minnesota Department of Human Services and White Earth Nation
As part of the Minnesota 2-Generation Policy Network, White Earth Nation and the Minnesota Department of Human Services partnered on White Earth Coordination Assessment Resource and Education (WECARE), an initiative to provide wraparound services to individuals seeking assistance from Tribal programs. This collaboration also included program evaluation and data analysis. They leveraged the department's evaluation and analysis experience, commitment to evaluation and rich data of WECARE. This partnership provides an example of an effective collaboration, and how institutions can work together to achieve positive outcomes. Collaborative analysis of data collected by WECARE may lead to effective program changes that will better serve White Earth Nation citizens. Tribal and department staff worked together to analyze data in ways that honors participants, creating potential for strengthening program policy.
Presumptive eligibility for child care assistance: A 2-Gen Network Prototype | Minnesota Department of Human Services
This brief highlights the presumptive eligibility for child care prototype developed and piloted by the Northside Achievement Zone 2-Gen collaborative partnership to expedite access to subsidized child care for some families participating in the Minnesota Family Investment Program. The Northside Achievement Zone 2-Gen partnership, which includes Northside Achievement Zone, Hennepin County Health and Human Services and HIRED employment services, collaborates with the Minnesota Department of Human Services through Minnesota’s 2-Gen Network to develop and test integrative multi-generational approaches to serving families.
2-Generation Administrative Data Brief, Issue 1 - Income variability of families on cash assistance in Minnesota | Minnesota Department of Human Services
This report explores the considerable income instability for all new families enrolling in the Minnesota Family Investment Program from 2013 to 2016. It makes clear that families’ incomes, without the program’s cash grants, vary to the degree that it would be almost impossible for a family to know from one month to the next if they had the income to cover expenses.
2-Generation Administrative Data Brief, Issue 2 - The effect of child support disregard on MFIP grant | Minnesota Department of Human Services
This report uses data to examine the effect of the child support disregard on Minnesota Family Investment Program grant amounts and child support payments. The department found that the disregard significantly positively affects the Minnesota Family Investment Program grant and is associated with higher child support payments for children.