Fluent Essays

READ DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY! I have inserted handbook which you will be using page 8 and page 15. HSL 4240: Family Advocacy, Policy, and Law Family Impact Lens Public Policy Paper 50 points – Due Sunday, October 3 before 11:00 p.m. As you have learned through our readings, The Family Impact Lens is a critical tool for examining policies and assessing their potential effect on family dynamics and functioning. When reading the Family Impact Lens Handbook, you learned about the 5 Family Impact Principles. For this assignment you will apply one of the Family Impact Principles to a federal policy that you select. Below, you will find a list of federal policies that can have a family impact. You may choose one of these or identify another federal policy you would like to use. No Child Left Behind Act (2001) Family Medical Leave Act (1993) Child Abuse and Prevention Treatment Act (1974) Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act (2009) Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (2008) Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act (1998) National School Lunch Act (1946) Civil Rights Act (1964) Age Discrimination in Employment Act (1967) Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) Equal Pay Act (1963) Pregnancy Discrimination Act (1978) Home Owners’ Loan Act (1933) Housing and Economic Recovery Act (2008) Older Americans Act (1965) Second Chance Act (2007) Marriage Equality Act (2015) Part I: Once you have selected a federal policy and carefully read it several times, you will use the FAMILY IMPACT DISCUSSION STARTERS from p. 8 of the Family Impact Lens Handbook to help you think about how the federal policy you selected addresses one or two of the Discussion Starters below: How will the policy, program, or practice: ► support rather than substitute for family members’ responsibilities to one another? ► reinforce family members’ commitment to each other and to the stability of the family unit? ► recognize the power and persistence of family ties, and promote healthy couple, marital, and parental relationships? ► acknowledge and respect the diversity of family life (e.g., different cultural, ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds; various geographic locations and socioeconomic statuses; families with members who have special needs; and families at different stages of the life cycle)? ► engage and work in partnership with families? Part II: Following the Family Impact Lens Handbook (p. 15) you will now do the following: · Select ONE of the family impact checklists and conduct the analysis.(There are five family impact checklists, each one corresponds to a different Family Impact Lens Principle. The Family Impact Lens Checklists can be found on the accompanying handout. (For example, the first family impact lens check list falls under the heading of Principle 1: Family Responsibility. · Use each of the questions for the particular checklist you chose to frame your discussion and analysis. · In essay format, you will address each of the questions in that Principle Checklist. As you assess whether policy addresses each question in a strong/adequate/or Limited manner, you should be integrating course content and readings. · In addition, you are required to integrate 2 peer-reviewed, academic sources related to the subject of your policy into your discussion. · At the conclusion of your analysis, include a paragraph explaining what you have learned about the policy process and how national policies can impact families in a variety of ways. Paper Structure: -Your paper should be 4-5 pages long, double spaced (excluding your title page and reference page). -You must use correct APA formatting -Your paper CANNOT be written in a question/answer format. It must be written as a coherent essay. -Your paper should begin with a 2-3 paragraph discussion of the federal policy. What is the name of the policy? When did it take effect? What is the purpose of the policy and its major goals? -Include a one paragraph description of the Family Impact Lens --- what it is and how it is useful for examining the policy you selected. -Next move on to the analysis involving the items in the check list. This section will take up the bulk of your paper. -Paper ends with a one paragraph discussion of what you have learned about the policy process. 2 THE FAMILY IMPACT HANDBOOK THE FAMILY IMPACT HANDBOOK HOW TO VIEW POLICY & PRACTICE THROUGH THE FAMILY IMPACT LENS The Family Impact Institute By Karen Bogenschneider, Olivia Little, Theodora Ooms, Sara Benning, and Karen Cadigan Family Impact Institute Nancy Nicholas Hall 1300 Linden Drive, Room 4109 Madison, WI 53706 This report was written by an ad hoc work group of the Family Impact Institute. Members of the work group acknowledge the earlier work of the Family Impact Seminar on this topic, and have drawn on several of its publications in the preparation of this report. The Family Impact Institute gratefully acknowledges the contributions provided by the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension, particularly the support of Laurie Boyce, Assistant Dean/Director of Cooperative Extension and State Program Director of Family Living Programs. The Institute also appreciates the contributions of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, particularly that of Robin Douthitt, Dean of the School of Human Ecology. The Institute is sincerely grateful to all those who have funded this work between 1999 and the time of the writing of this report: the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the William T. Grant Foundation, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Family Impact Institute welcomes reactions to this report from readers in order to help us prepare a revised edition. Please send your comments on how useful you find it and how it can be improved to Karen Bogenschneider, Director, Family Impact Institute, Nancy Nicholas Hall, 1300 Linden Drive, Room 4109, Madison, WI 53706. You can also email [email protected] Copyright, 2012, The Family Impact Institute, Nancy Nicholas Hall, 1300 Linden Drive, Room 4109, Madison, WI 53706. All rights reserved. Requests to reprint can be sent to the email or postal address above. Cover photo by Jeff Miller/UW-Madison. Visit the Family Impact Institute website at http://www.familyimpactseminars.org THE FAMILY IMPACT HANDBOOK HOW TO VIEW POLICY & PRACTICE THROUGH THE FAMILY IMPACT LENS by Karen Bogenschneider and Olivia Little Family Impact Institute Wisconsin Family Impact Seminars University of Wisconsin-Madison University of Wisconsin-Extension/Cooperative Extension Theodora Ooms National Healthy Marriage Resource Center Sara Benning and Karen Cadigan Children, Youth & Family Consortium University of Minnesota P.ii CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 1 HOW CAN I APPLY THE FAMILY IMPACT LENS? ............................................ 3 The Family Impact Principles ...................................................................................... 3 Figure 1: The family impact lens in policy and practice .......................................4 Principle 1: Family responsibility ........................................................................ 5 Principle 2: Family stability ................................................................................. 5 Principle 3: Family relationships ......................................................................... 6 Principle 4: Family diversity ................................................................................. 6 Principle 5: Family engagement ........................................................................... 7 The Family Impact Discussion Starters ........................................................................ 7 Key tool #1: Family impact discussion starters .....................................................8 The General Family Impact Checklist .......................................................................... 8 Additional Family Impact Checklists ........................................................................... 8 Key tool #2: Family impact checklist (with references) .......................................9 Different Methods for a Single Purpose ..................................................................... 13 Using the Family Impact Discussion Starters ............................................................ 14 Using the Family Impact Checklists to Guide Policy and Program Design and Evaluation ............................................................................................... 14 Conducting Family Impact Analysis .......................................................................... 16 How to use family impact analysis to review rules, legislation, laws, or programs ................................................................................................ 17 How to use family impact analysis to evaluate the culture, policies, and practices of agencies or organizations ............................................ 17 Key procedure #1: Conducting a family impact analysis of rules, legislation, laws, or programs ...............................................................21 Key procedure #2: Conducting a family impact analysis of an organization using a quantitative checklist supplemented with discussion by a group of stakeholders ..................................22 THE FAMILY IMPACT HANDBOOK: HOW TO VIEW POLICY & PRACTICE THROUGH THE FAMILY IMPACT LENS P.iii Key procedure #3: 10 tips for conducting family impact analysis ......................24 What is Realistic and Unrealistic to Expect from Family Impact Analysis? .............. 25 WHAT TOOLS AND EXAMPLES ARE AVAILABLE? ........................................ 27 Family Impact Toolkit Index: Where to Find Key Definitions, Key Tools, and Examples ........................................................................................... 27 Additional Resources ................................................................................................. 28 Key Tool #1: Family Impact Discussion Starters ....................................................... 30 Key Tool #2: Family Impact Checklist (without references) ..................................... 31 Key Tool #3: Family Functions and Roles ................................................................. 35 Key Tool #4: Family Functions Shared with Social Institutions ................................ 36 Key Tool #5: Family Diversity and Contexts ............................................................. 37 Key Tool #6: Policy and Program Implementation .................................................... 38 REFERENCES ................................................................................................. 39 INTRODUCTION THE FAMILY IMPACT HANDBOOK: HOW TO VIEW POLICY & PRACTICE THROUGH THE FAMILY IMPACT LENS P.1 Most policymakers would not think of passing a law without first asking, “What’s the economic impact?” The family impact lens encourages policymakers and professionals to routinely ask a similar question, “What is the impact of this policy, program, or practice for families?” When economic questions arise, it is almost axiomatic to consult economists for economic data and research to assess the impact of the proposed action on selected aspects of the economy. Similarly, when family questions arise, policymakers and professionals should turn to family scientists for family data and research upon which to base an assessment of the effects of the proposed action on family roles, structure, and functioning. The conundrum we face is this: How can we encourage policymakers and professionals to view policy and practice through the family impact lens rather than through the lens of individuals in the family? We detail in the companion paper, the Family Impact Rationale, how we can act on the growing body of evidence that families should be an explicit criterion for making decisions. What tools, tips, and examples are available to operationalize family support and, in so doing, place families front and center in how we do policy and practice? Photo courtesy of Jeff Miller/UW-Madison. The family impact lens encourages policymakers and professionals to routinely ask, What is the impact of this policy, program, or practice for families? “ ” P.2 INTRODUCTION Approaching policy and practice through the family impact lens has the potential to strengthen and support families in all their diversity across the lifespan. This handbook begins to address this conundrum. Approaching policy and practice through the family impact lens has the potential to strengthen and support families in all their diversity across the lifespan. The Family Impact Handbook provides: ► The family principles that evidence suggests are fundamental to assessing policies and programs for their support of family well-being; ► Processes and procedures for raising the family impact discussion starters, for using the family impact checklists, and for conducting family impact analysis; ► Case studies that apply the family impact lens using different methodologies in varied settings; ► Tools and tips for conducting family impact analysis along with appropriate cautions; and ► Current examples of how family impact analysis has been used to assess particular policies and programs. _____________________________________________________________________ THE FAMILY IMPACT HANDBOOK: HOW TO VIEW POLICY & PRACTICE THROUGH THE FAMILY IMPACT LENS p.3 HOW CAN I APPLY THE FAMILY IMPACT LENS? We discuss here how to view policy and practice through the family impact lens. The family impact lens can provide a wide-angle view of family support or a narrow focus on a particular policy or program. Infusing the family impact lens into policy and practice can take a number of different forms. Five basic principles serve as the core of the family impact lens, whether operationalized as Family Impact Discussion Starters, Family Impact Checklists, or Family Impact Analysis. In Figure 1 (next page), we organize these three methods from the least time consuming (i.e., family impact discussion starters) to the most time- and resource-intensive (a full family impact analysis); using the family impact checklist method falls in between in terms of required time and resources. Each method uses different procedures for the singular purpose of developing policies and programs that strengthen and support diverse families across the lifespan. The methodologies vary according to the target audience, the intended use, and the available time and resources. (These methods are adapted and expanded from the earlier work of Ooms and Preister, 1988 and Gross, Bogenschneider, and Johnson, 2006.) We begin by introducing and providing the evidence base for the Family Impact Principles followed by a detailed description of how each of the three methods brings the family impact lens to policies and programs. Figure 1 displays these three methods and details the resources in the Family Impact Toolkit—the two key definitions, the three key procedures, and the six key tools found in this Handbook. THE FAMILY IMPACT PRINCIPLES Based on a review of the latest research, we revised the family impact principles from those originally proposed (see Ooms & Preister, 1988). These evidence-based principles raise family-sensitive and policy-relevant considerations that can help strengthen family functioning. Analyzing issues through the family impact lens first involves an awareness of the many different types of families and the ways changes in family life reverberate through the major institutions of society. Family life in the U.S. today is marked by a kaleidoscope of racial/ethnic diversity, decreases in fertility, increases in life expectancy, changes in sequencing of marriage and childbearing, a rapid rise in maternal employment, an escalation in rates of cohabitation and divorce, a prolonged transition to young adulthood, etc. (e.g., Cherlin, 2010; Walsh, 2003). Photo courtesy of Stephanie Eddy. A family impact lens can provide a wide-angle view of family support or a narrow focus on a particular policy or program. p.4 HOW CAN I APPLY THE FAMILY IMPACT LENS? Figure 1. The Family Impact Lens in Policy and Practice FAMILY IMPACT DISCUSSION STARTERS FAMILY IMPACT PRINCIPLES - Family Responsibility - Family Stability - Family Relationships - Family Diversity - Family Engagement POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT STRENGTHEN FAMILIES FAMILY IMPACT CHECKLIST FAMILY IMPACT ANALYSIS Prepare questions or testimony for hearings, meetings, and public forums Frame policy discussions on broad social problems or generate policy responses by panels, boards, or commissions Guide program and policy design Guide program and policy evaluation Review rules, legislation, laws, or programs to point out how well they do or do not support family well-being Examine the culture, policies, and practices of agencies and organizations to determine how family-centered they are Low High Level of Time and Resources Required Key Definitions - What is Policy, Family Policy, and the Family Impact Lens in Policy and Practice? - What is a Family? Key Procedures - Conducting a Family Impact Analysis of Rules, Legislation, Laws, or Programs - Conducting a Family Impact Analysis of an Agency or Organization - Tips for Conducting Family Impact Analysis Key Tools - Family Impact Discussion Starters - Family Impact Checklist - Family Functions and Roles - Family Functions Shared with Social Institutions - Family Diversity and Contexts - Policy and Program Implementation FAMILY IMPACT TOOLKIT THE FAMILY IMPACT HANDBOOK: HOW TO VIEW POLICY & PRACTICE THROUGH THE FAMILY IMPACT LENS p.5 Thus, in beginning the process of applying the family impact lens, we stress the importance of first identifying which types of families may be impacted by the policy, program, or practice. Considerations should include different family structures and arrangements, including those who function as a family even if they are not legally recognized as such; families from different cultural, ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds, geographic locations, and socioeconomic statuses; families with members who have special needs; families of different structures; and families at different stages of the life cycle (Moore, Chalk, Vandivere, & Scarpa, 2003; Olson & Gorall, 2003; Walsh, 2003). Next, the following five principles can be used to carefully consider the intended and unintended effects of policies, programs, or practices on various family types. Note that the principles apply the family impact lens to policies or programs (i.e., what policies or programs are enacted or established) and also to practices (i.e., how policies or programs are implemented). Keep in mind that not every principle will apply to every issue. The principles are not rank-ordered, and sometimes they may conflict with one another. Depending on the issue, one principle may be more highly valued than another, requiring trade-offs. Cost-effectiveness and political feasibility must also be taken into account. Despite these complexities, the principles have proven useful across the political spectrum and have the potential to build broad, bipartisan consensus. ► Principle 1: Family responsibility. To promote family well-being and self- sufficiency, policy and practice should be aimed at supporting the functions of families—family formation, partner relationships, economic support, childrearing, and caregiving (Bogenschneider, Little, Ooms, Benning, Cadigan, & Corbett, 2012)—rather than unnecessarily supplanting the family’s role (Krysan, Moore, & Zill, 1990b; Walsh, 2002, 2003). Policy and practice can help families build their capacity to fulfill these functions and avoid taking over these responsibilities unless absolutely necessary (Berlin, 2007, 2008; Conger, Conger, & Martin, 2010; Hawkins & Ooms, 2012; National Human Services Assembly, 2009; Olds et al., 1997; Olds et al., 1998). For those caring for dependent, seriously ill, or disabled family members, expectations need to be realistic taking into account family structure, resources, and life challenges (Patterson, 2002; Walsh, 2002). Policy and practice should strive to address root causes of financial responsibility and recognize family members’ need to balance work, family, and community commitments (Black & Lobo, 2008; Center for the Study of Social Policy, 2008; Crosnoe & Cavanaugh, 2010; Daly, 2001; Fraenkel, 2003; Hawkins & Ooms, 2012). ► Principle 2: Family stability. Family instability exposes children to an array of negative developmental outcomes, disadvantages adults emotionally and economically, and contributes to growing disparities of income and opportunity (Hawkins & Ooms, 2012). Policy and practice should reinforce healthy couple, marital, parental, and family commitments (Knox, Cowan, Pape Cowan, & Bildner, 2011), recognizing that major family changes or transitions, such as aging, adoption, or divorce may be extended processes that require ongoing support and attention To promote family well-being and self-sufficiency, policy and practice should be aimed at supporting the functions of family rather than supplanting them. p.6 HOW CAN I APPLY THE FAMILY IMPACT LENS? (Gabovitch & Curtin, 2009; Leadbeater, Schellenbach, Maton, & Dodgen, 2004; Olson & Gorall, 2003). Incorporating prevention strategies can avert crises and chronic situations that can threaten family structure and functioning (Center for the Study of Social Policy, 2008; Patterson, 2002; Small, Cooney, & O’Connor, 2009). ► Principle 3: Family relationships. Policy and practice should acknowledge that family ties, whether positive or negative, are powerful and persistent (Conger et al., 2010; Knox et al., 2011; Moore et al., 2003). In healthy relationships, individuals are able to recognize and balance family members’ needs for separateness and togetherness (Moore et al., 2003; Olson & Gorall, 2003). Healthy families are able to maintain stability, while accommodating needed change through positive relationships (Olson & Gorall, 2003). Research demonstrates that strong communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, parenting skills, and problem- solving abilities are essential mechanisms for fostering family competence and resilience (Krysan, Moore, & Zill, 1990a; Miller, Ryan, Keitner, Bishop, & Epstein, 2000; Moore et al., 2003; Olson & Gorall, 2003; Patterson, 2002; Walsh, 2002). ► Principle 4: Family diversity. Family functioning is influenced by an array of contextual factors including culture, family structure, geographic locale, life stage, race/ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and special needs (Leadbeater et al., 2004; Moore et al., 2003). Well-documented disparities persist in education, employment, health status, and related outcomes among different racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and other marginalized groups; such groups continue to be over-represented in high-risk populations (Burton, Bonilla-Silva, Ray, Buckelew, & Freeman, 2010; Olavarria, Beaulac, Belanger, Young, & Aubry, 2009). Policies and practices can have varied effects on diverse families, and should examine whether their practices create or contribute to inequitable outcomes. They should acknowledge and attempt to disentangle some of the complexities of where disparities occur and why (M. Cancian, personal communication, February 24, 2011). Racial disparities in health outcomes, for example, could stem from a number of factors including biological differences; cultural practices; Photo courtesy of Cassandra Musser. Policy and practice should acknowledge that family ties, whether positive or negative, are powerful and persistent. THE FAMILY IMPACT HANDBOOK: HOW TO VIEW POLICY & PRACTICE THROUGH THE FAMILY IMPACT LENS p.7 racial discrimination in the health care system; institutional barriers in the community such as limited access to health care or substandard housing; or some combination thereof (e.g., Williams & Jackson, 2005). These factors can affect family processes, financial stability, resource availability, and community connections, all of which can influence individual and family development (Garcia Coll, 2001; McGoldrick, 2003). ► Principle 5: Family engagement. Family-centered approaches need to be systematically identified, verified, and incorporated into organizational philosophy, culture, and practice. For example, relational practices (e.g., communicating in ways that treat families with dignity and respect) and participatory practices (e.g., involving families in ways that provide choices and input into decisions) have been show to strengthen self-efficacy, which can directly and indirectly improve family functioning (Dunst, Trivette, & Hamby, 2007). Policy and practice can connect families to resources such as friends; family-to-family supports; and community, neighborhood, volunteer, and faith-based organizations (Black & Lobo, 2008; Boyd-Franklin, 2003; Hawkins & Ooms, 2012). Policy and practice should strive to incorporate family voices (Walsh, 2002), particularly those of marginalized families, who often are disconnected from political and planning processes and often labeled “hard-to-reach” (Greder, Brotherson, & Garasky, 2004; Winton & Crais, 1996). When family members are involved in reinforcing, supplementing, and sustaining the efforts of educators, health care professionals, and social workers, such efforts are more successful (Dunst et al., 2007). THE FAMILY IMPACT DISCUSSION STARTERS The family impact discussion starters parallel the family impact principles (Key Tool #1). These discussion starters can serve to build awareness. They can also provide an organizing framework for thinking about how policies, programs, agencies, or organizations may have intended and unintended consequences for family well- being. Asking about family impact when policies are being developed, implemented, or evaluated can bring a unique perspective to policy debates or program goals by underscoring the importance of families as institutions that foster commitment to others. Not every discussion starter may be relevant for every issue and purpose. Photo courtesy of Janean Dilworth-Bart. Policy and practice should strive to incorporate family voices, particularly those of marginalized families, who often are disconnected from political and planning processes. p.8 HOW CAN I APPLY THE FAMILY IMPACT LENS? KEY TOOL #1 FAMILY IMPACT DISCUSSION STARTERS How will the policy, program, or practice: ► support rather than substitute for family members’ responsibilities to one another? ► reinforce family members’ commitment to each other and to the stability of the family unit? ► recognize the power and persistence of family ties, and promote healthy couple, marital, and parental relationships? ► acknowledge and respect the diversity of family life (e.g., different cultural, ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds; various geographic locations and socioeconomic statuses; families with members who have special needs; and families at different stages of the life cycle)? ► engage and work in partnership with families? THE GENERAL FAMILY IMPACT CHECKLIST The general family impact checklist that follows can be used for almost any issue and a number of purposes. Consistent with current research evidence, we have identified five new family impact principles. Each family impact principle is accompanied by a series of questions that delve more deeply into the ways in which families contribute to issues, how they are affected by them, and whether involving families would result in more effective and efficient solutions. The checklist can be used as a stand-alone tool to help design and evaluate programs and policies, or it can be used as the basis for a full-fledged family impact analysis. Examples of these varied purposes are provided in the next section. ADDITIONAL FAMILY IMPACT CHECKLISTS A number of specialized checklists also are available for assessing family impacts in specific settings (e.g., adolescent treatment centers, communities, and schools) and for particular policies (e.g., child and family services plans, school funding formulas, and early care and education policies). These checklists help “organize the vast, complex, and fragmented body of program information, data, and research related to families into categories and factors that have special relevance for policy and programs” (Ooms, 1995, p. 8). Each item on these checklists is evidence-based. The general idea is to acknowledge the needs of family members and involve them so they can reinforce rather than undermine the goals of the program or policy. Professionals who (Continued on page 13) KEY TOOL #2 THE FAMILY IMPACT CHECKLIST USING EVIDENCE TO STRENGTHEN FAMILIES (with references) Policymakers from across the political spectrum endorse families as a sure-fire, vote-winning strategy. Researchers have demonstrated the valuable role families play in promoting academic success, economic productivity, social competence, and so forth. Professionals who educate or deliver services to families recognize the viability of family-centered approaches for achieving program goals. Yet family considerations are rarely addressed in the normal routines of policy and practice. Pro-family rhetoric is not enough. The Family Impact Checklist is one evidence-based strategy to help ensure that policies and programs are designed and evaluated in ways that strengthen and support families in all their diversity across the lifespan. This checklist can also be used for conducting a family impact analysis that examines the intended and unintended consequences of policies, programs, agencies, and organizations on family responsibility, family stability, and family relationships. Which types of families are affected? How are they helped or hurt? What steps can be taken to strengthen families’ capacity to support their members and the contributions they make to society? This brief guide provides a four-step overview of how to use a family impact checklist to conduct a family impact analysis. More detailed guidelines and procedures for conducting a family impact analysis are available in a handbook published by the Family Impact Institute at http://www.familyimpactseminars.org. USING THE CHECKLIST TO CONDUCT A FAMILY IMPACT ANALYSIS 1. Select the rule, legislation, law, program, agency, or organization and decide what components will be analyzed. Family impact analysis can be used to review rules, legislation, laws, or programs for their impact on families, and to evaluate the family focus and operating procedures of agencies and organizations. Court decisions, regulations, administrative practices, and implementation procedures can also be analyzed for their impact on family well-being. Family impact analysis can be a preliminary process conducted at an early stage when a policy or program is being designed, at an interim stage when a policy or program is being implemented, or at a later stage when being evaluated or reauthorized. 2. Determine which family types might be affected. Families come in many forms and configurations. In beginning the process, it is important to identify which types of families may be impacted by the policy, program, or practice. Which types of families does or will the policy, program, or practice affect? _______________________________ q particular family structures? q families in a particular stage of the life cycle? q families from particular incomes or educational levels? q families from particular cultural, geographic, racial/ethnic, or religious backgrounds? q families who have members with special needs (e.g., cognitive, emotional, physical)? q those who function as a family even if they are not legally recognized as such? (Cherlin, 2010; Leadbeater, Schellenbach, Maton, & Dodgen, 2004; Moore, Chalk, Vandivere, & Scarpa, 2003; Olson & Gorall, 2003; Walsh, 2003) 3. Select a family impact checklist and conduct the analysis. Family impact analysis is most incisive and comprehensive when it includes expertise on (a) families, (b) family impact analysis, and (c) the specifics of the policy, program, agency, or organization. Five basic principles form the core of a family impact checklist. Each principle is accompanied by a series of evidence-based questions that delve deeply into the ways in which families contribute to issues, how they are affected by them, and whether involving families would result in better solutions. Not all principles and questions will apply to every topic, so it is important to select those most relevant to the issue at hand. These questions sound simple, but they can be difficult to answer. The principles are not rank-ordered and sometimes they conflict with each other. Depending on the issue, one principle may be more highly valued than another, requiring trade- offs. Cost effectiveness and political feasibility also must be taken into account. Despite these complexities, family impact analysis has proven useful across the political spectrum and has the potential to …