A mother and father smile at their toddler while she eats watermelon.
Economic Inclusion for Family Wellbeing

HEALTHY CHILDREN & FAMILIES

We must begin all of our efforts to transform systems and policies grounded in the question: What is best for children and families? Prioritizing the wellbeing of families and creating a social contract that recognizes people for more than their workforce productivity can help build toward an inclusive economy. Through this kind of transformational change, we can create a brighter future that lifts all children and families. 

A nursing home resident teaches a young boy to play the organ.

A Transformational Vision

At RWJF, we are working to include all families in the economy now and for generations to come. With many allies and partners, we are working toward a new vision—economic inclusion—that prioritizes and serves families. Economic inclusion means overcoming the legacy that undervalues caregivers. It means creating a new social contract that acknowledges our interdependence and recognizes that all families are deserving of wellbeing. That will require institutions to recognize their own responsibility to support the caregivers who are raising the next generation, and to eliminate the structural and systemic barriers that have long excluded and marginalized some families.

A mother and daughter sit together amidst toys and books.

A Glimpse at What's Possible

The COVID-19 pandemic shined new light on the links between health and wellbeing, economic security, and structural racism, illuminating cracks in our political and economic systems in ways our nation can no longer ignore. While far from perfect, the collective policy response showed that we can adopt policies that will improve public health, support economic stability, and advance inclusion.

Featured Content

 

The Eight Five Six market in Camden, NJ participates in the Food Trust's health outreach by hosting nutrition demonstrations and providing fresh fruit and vegetables to neighborhoods that would otherwise not have access to the items. Camden, NJ, (Photo by Samantha Appleton)

Many Adults with Lower Income Prefer Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments

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Mom with children in protective masks choose fruits to buy in the store.

Four Reasons the Expanded Child Tax Credit Should Be Permanent

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Racial Wealth Gap for blog: Why Building Black Wealth is Key to Health Equity

Why Building Black Wealth is Key to Health Equity

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Spotlight: Every Family Forward

Families must be at the center of an equitable recovery. Every Family Forward (EFF) is dedicated to understanding the assets parents and caregivers draw from and where they need support.

Parents holding their daughter's hands and swinging her in the air.

A Conversation on the Signs of Hope of a New Social Contract

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Two women sitting on either side of a boy on a couch.

A Conversation on What it Means to Support the Whole Child and Family

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A smiling family sitting together in front of a yellow and purple wall.

A Conversation on Advancing Our Collective Responsibility to All Families

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Related News and Insights

Read expert perspectives and the latest research from RWJF to explore the opportunities and complexities of this topic.

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Family voices illustration.

Why Solving the Caregiving Puzzle Must Include Families

When we listen to families and prioritize their needs and aspirations, we can build meaningful policies and programs that benefit all.

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Child and Family Wellbeing Structural Racism
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Marian Wright Edelman image.

A Civil Rights Legend’s Enduring Appeal to Our Better Angels

For more than five decades, Marian Wright Edelman has sought to support every child’s right to health, wellness, and prosperity.

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Health Disparities Structural Racism
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Illustration of Paid Time Off policy.

Preemption is Blocking Family-Support Policies That Our Nation Needs

Despite of the benefits to families and businesses, many states have shut down sorely needed local policies such as paid leave and minimum wage increases.

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Child and Family Wellbeing Policy and Law Family and Social Environment
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