FIS Implementation Resources
Using Research to Build Better Public Policy for Families
FIS Implementation Resources
Using Research to Build Better Public Policy for Families
Home / Models / Family Impact Seminars / Implementation Resources
Home / Models / Family Impact Seminars / Implementation Resources
Why is it Important to Assess Family Impact?
Families are a cornerstone for raising responsible children who become caring, committed contributors to a strong democracy and competent workers in a sound economy. Families are endorsed across the political spectrum and can be used to rise above partisan politics. Yet family considerations are not systematically raised in the normal routines of policymaking and program operation. In response, several nonpartisan resources are available for viewing policies, programs, and practices through the lens of family, including a family impact toolkit, family impact analyses, checklists, procedures, and discussion starters. These resources can be used by anyone interested in supporting and strengthening families in all their diversity across the lifespan, such as policymakers, family and human service educators/professionals, legislative and agency staff, policy analysts, policy and program evaluators, and program or organization staff.
View all Family Impact Seminars.
The Family Impact Rationale and Handbook – 2nd Edition
In the second edition, the Family Impact Rationale and Handbook have been combined into one document. This revision explains why the family impact lens is important, how it can be used, who would find it useful, and what it can accomplish. In addition, it provides step-by-step procedures and tools for three methods of bringing the family impact lens to policy and practice—the family impact discussion starters, the family impact checklists, and family impact analysis.
The Family Impact Guide for Policymakers: Viewing Policies Through the Family Lens
Most policymakers would not think of passing a bill without asking, “What’s the economic impact?” This guide encourages policymakers to ask, “What is the impact of this policy on families?” “Would involving families result in more effective and efficient policies?” Guidelines are given for highlighting the importance of families and the value of bringing the lens of family impact to policy decisions.
Family Policy Matters: How Policymaking Affects Families and What Professionals Can Do (4th edition)
The 4th edition of Bogenschneider’s Family Policy Matters introduces readers to the changing landscape of family policy. Families have changed, policies have changed, and politics has changed. The book reviews the growing polarization of our politics and the transformational changes that have occurred in contemporary families. To move from analysis to action, the book cover the latest science and practice of evidence-based family policymaking. The main message of the book can be summarized in 10 words: “It is possible to build better public policy for families.”
Family Impact Resources
Learn why family impact is important to policy and practice today and in the past. Learn how to conduct family impact analyses using checklists, procedures, tips, and helpful tools. Check out examples of family impact analysis of programs and policies. Review newsletters and briefs that explain to policymakers the value of viewing issues through the family impact lens. Learn about state policies, federal laws, and international efforts to require or promote family impact analysis.
