Multigenerational Approach

The multigenerational approach to alleviating poverty through services integration focuses on addressing the needs of the whole family. Programs with this aim may also be referred to as taking a "whole family" approach. This model is also commonly referred to as the two-generation approach.

The multigenerational model integrates child-focused services, parent and caregiver services, and adult-focused services. Services for children often aim to improve school readiness, while services for adults target economic assets such as housing, job readiness, and health and well-being. Other services may include child and family social groups, support services for caregivers, and respite services. Several federal programs can support two-generation approaches to service provision.

A key component of this model involves providing educational resources to adults and children, which can help a parent or caregiver offer a more economically stable environment for the child. Multigenerational approaches can also focus on developing social capital to help families out of poverty. Participants of multigenerational programs can build social capital through participation in the community and social networks and by making connections with family, friends, and neighbors. Many multigenerational programs also help connect families to economic supports, such as:

• Housing
• Student financial aid
• Health insurance
• Food assistance
• Other public and private resources

Examples of Rural Programs Using a Multigenerational Approach

• The Lake County Tribal Health Consortium (LCTHC) manages a tribal preschool where children receive school-readiness services and parents can participate in parenting and support programs such as a substance use recovery group. While LCTHC originally planned to implement a home visiting program that would provide early childhood resources to children and supportive service to parents, parents in the community asked the clinic to deliver services in group settings instead. In response to these requests, LCTHC developed the preschool program and now offers group classes to parents during school hours.
• Grundy County, Tennessee is increasing access to health and wellness by utilizing a social capital approach. Specifically, this rural community is adapting and implementing the New Haven's MOMS Partnership, a community network for mothers that brings together organizations that provide community resources for both adults and children. The MOMS Partnership provides interventions that reduce the toxic stress experienced by children and families with low incomes.
• Head Start, a federal program of the Administration for Children and Families, promotes family well-being through a multigenerational approach. The program provides early learning and health services to children from birth to age five. Parents often receive parenting education and referrals to social and health services.
• The Rural Impact initiative used a multigenerational approach to invest resources in rural communities. Rural Impact focused on designing innovative program delivery, raising awareness of rural child poverty, and improving access to high-quality childcare, early learning, and continuing education. A major aspect of this program was a technical assistance demonstration initiative called Rural Integration Models for Parents and Children to Thrive (IMPACT) Demonstration.
• The Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) in rural northern Maine works with families to offer multiple types of supports to children and their caregivers, from early childhood education to energy assistance. The program found that once parents' most urgent basic needs were met, they were in a better place to engage in seeking employment and accept other services, which created more stable environments for their families.

Resources to Learn More

Strengthening Two-Generation Initiatives That Support Child Development and Improve Family Economic Security: Insights from the Next Steps for Rigorous Research on Two-Generation Approaches Project
Document
Reports on activities and experiences of two-generation programs to improve children's educational and home environments, and advance family well-being. Provides implementation considerations for strengthening two generation programs.
Author(s): Baumgartner, S., Ross, C., Sama-Miller, E., et al.
Organization(s): Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families
Date: 8/2023