Cross-sector collaboration and systems alignment can address social determinants of health, improve family well-being and create a more equitable society. The Building Wealth and Health Network (The Network) is a trauma-informed workforce development program addressing both behavioral and financial health. It was created in an effort to align Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Medicaid. Read the research brief by S4A investigators at Drexel University's Center for Hunger-Free Communities to learn about the challenges, and proposed solutions, to systems alignment.

For more information about this work, please see the following article: Weida EB, Egan V, Chilton M (2020). How trauma-informed programming to treat social determinants unveils challenges to systems alignment. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved. In press.

Systems for Action research conducted by Drexel University studies the impact of a new model for achieving health and wellbeing through self-sufficiency programming. The Building Wealth and Health Network is a workforce development program that addresses both behavioral and financial health.

Read how these strategies were associated with improvements in self-efficacy, depression and economic hardship. 

The evidence brief reviews what solution was tested, the research findings and recommendations for action based on this evidence. 

A study examines whether integrating trauma-informed peer support curriculum into the TANF program is associated with reductions in co-occurring depression and substance use, and improvements in self-efficacy and economic security.

To read the full article, "Effects of a trauma-informed curriculum on depression, self-efficacy, economic security, and substance use among TANF participants: Evidence from the Building Health and Wealth Network Phase II" click here. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113136

In order to better understand financial health and its implications for public health, consistent definition and measurement of financial health are necessary. To read the full article, "Financial health as a measurable social determinant of health." click here.

Trauma-informed programming can reduce the odds of household food insecurity and may reduce trauma-related symptoms associated with depression and poverty. To read the full article, "Leveraging institutional support for family caregivers to meet the health and vocational needs of persons with disabilities.", click here. 

The July 2018 policy brief “Aligning Systems to Build a Culture of Health: Integrating TANF and Medicaid to Achieve Wealth and Health” includes findings demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating behavioral health components into financial programming on improving physical, mental, emotional and financial outcomes. The full brief on the Center for Hunger-Free Communities website can be viewed here.

Financial empowerment education paired with trauma-informed peer support is more effective than customary TANF programming at improving behavioral health, reducing hardship, and increasing income. 

To read the full article, "Trauma-informed Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): A Randomized Controlled Trial with a Two-Generation Impact" click here.

The July 2018 policy brief “Trauma-Informed Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: A Randomized Controlled Trial with a Two-Generation Impact” examines the effectiveness of trauma-informed peer support with financial programming on improving physical, mental, emotional and financial outcomes. The full brief on the Center for Hunger-Free Communities website can be viewed here. 

The Building Wealth and Health Network is an opportunity for parents and caregivers of young children to increase their income and savings, improve health and wellbeing, shape their own futures, and to do so in a community of their peers. The Network does this through three main components: Financial Self Empowerment Classes, Matched Savings Accounts, and Surveys.

Post-program outcomes indicate positive impacts on food security, self-rated health, depression, employment, and savings account participation.

Baseline findings demonstrate that caregivers participating in TANF have suffered significant childhood adversity, adult violence exposure, and poverty-related stressors that can restrict workforce success. Trauma-informed approaches to career readiness, such as the Building Wealth and Health Network, offer opportunities for potential success in the workforce while supporting families. To read the full article, "The Building Wealth and Health Network: methods and baseline characteristics from a randomized controlled trial for families with young children participating in temporary assistance for needy families (TANF)." click here.