Strong and Stable Families

Background

Strong and Stable Families is a first-of-its kind investigation into the implementation and impact of Wisconsin’s Family Resource Centers (FRCs), which are community hubs that help families access an array of services and community resources. In addition to providing direct supports such as parenting programs, child development activities, and basic needs assistance, FRCs link families to other community agencies and providers. The primary aims of the Strong and Stable Families Study are to: (1) describe FRCs and the families they support; (2) identify ways that FRCs strengthen family protective factors; and (3) explore the long-term benefits of FRC participation.

During phase 1 of the project (2021-24), survey data were collected from 646 parents who received services from one of 18 FRCs along with 1,489 parents who were randomly selected from the general population in Wisconsin. The surveys generated new information on the experiences of FRC participants along with their well-being, family functioning, protective factors, and social determinants of health. A second study phase was launched in 2024 to collect a second wave of survey data from participants, obtain matching Census and child protective service records, and gather qualitative data through interviews and focus groups with families and FRC staff.

Learn More

Issue Brief: Strengthening Wisconsin’s Family Resource Centers (PDF)

Publications: 

Mersky, J. P., Plummer Lee, C., Liu, X., & Soto, M. (under review). Advancing the study of adversity and resilience in adulthood: Exploring the influence of positive adult experiences. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy.

Mersky, J. P., Janczewski, C. E., Pollard, J., Amphlett, A., Plummer Lee, C., Walther, A.K., & Liu, X. (in press). Addressing access barriers in rural America: A mixed-methods study of Wisconsin’s Family Resource Centers. The Journal of Rural Health.

Mersky, J. P., Plummer Lee, C., & Liu, X. (2025). Advancing the study of adverse adult experiences:  A validation study of the Adult Experiences Survey. Journal of Family Violence. 1-13. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10896-025-00817-0