Strong and Stable Families

Background

Strong and Stable Families is a mixed-methods study that aims to (1) identify protective factors that reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect in Wisconsin households; (2) examine the impact of Wisconsin’s Family Resource Centers. Family Resource Centers (FRCs) are universal, primary prevention programs that help parents and caregivers from all socioeconomic backgrounds access an array of services and community resources. During phase 1 of the project, survey data were collected from 646 parents who received services from one of 18 different FRCs along with 1,489 parents who were randomly selected from the general population. In addition to household and community protective factors, the survey yielded data on adverse and positive life experiences, health and well-being, social determinants of health, family demographics, and FRC service experiences. A second study phase was launched in 2024 with support from an Advancing Healthier Wisconsin grant. During this phase, the Institute is collecting a second wave of survey data from family participants and qualitative data from families and FRC staff. Matching child protective service records will also be obtained to explore the extent to which FRC participation impacted involvement in the child welfare system.

Learn More

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