This two-day policy roundtable held in Milwaukee on April 10–11th, 2008 explored how separate policies can work collectively in the interest of improving children's lives.  Discussions centered around state-level initiatives in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan in work-based income support programs and policies. 

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman provided an overview of the services her department offers to support adult workers and work-seekers and how those services affect children's well-being. Secretary-Designee Reggie Bicha of Wisconsin's newly created Department of Children and Families—the first cabinet agency in the state to focus exclusively on children's needs—spoke to our audience about what is planned for this historically significant department.

The event also featured recently published findings from a study testing the effectiveness of the Milwaukee-based New Hope Project and its implications for child development.

Presentations from this event
Addressing the Developmental Needs of Children by Integrating Work Support and ECCE Policy
Hirokazu Yoshikawa, Harvard University
Video clip »   A story of the working poor (6:30
Video clip »   How work support policies can benefit children  (4:46)
Powerpoint »

Wisconsin's Recent Experience with Work-Based Policies and Supports for Low-Wage Workers and Their Families
Roberta Gassman, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Powerpoint »

Wisconsin Department of Children and Families: A New Future for Wisconsin Children
Reggie Bicha, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Video clip »
Powerpoint »

New Hope: Fulfilling America’s “Make Work Pay” Promise
Greg Duncan, Northwestern University, Aletha Huston, University of Texas at Austin, and Thomas Weisner, University of California, Los Angeles
Duncan video »  New Hope project findings (2:48)
Huston video » New Hope supports offered (3:31)
Huston video » Developmental benefits seen in children (5:05
Weisner video »  Stories from New Hope (4:03)
Powerpoint »

Strategies to Reduce Child and Family Poverty
Jack Tweedie, National Conference of State Legislatures
Video » Challenges in implementing work support initiatives (5:40)
Powerpoint »

State Trends: Supporting Work and Child Development
Steffanie Clothier, National Conference of State Legislatures
Video » Focusing on quality in child care (5:22)
Powerpoint