Human Services in Rural Contexts

Keywords: Rural, unmet need, human services, equity, inequality, economic wellbeing, social wellbeing, families, policy
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 11:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 12:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 16

Abstract

While significant research has been carried out to understand how human services programs improve the economic and social wellbeing of individuals and families, knowledge gaps persist regarding how these programs can best serve rural communities. 2M Research and the Urban Institute, in partnership with the Administration for Children and Families and the Health Resources and Services Administration, are conducting a study to better understand the associated challenges and opportunities for administering human services programs in rural contexts. This presentation will share a method for estimating unmet human services need in rural counties using a robust set of administrative and secondary survey data sources. Findings will include a series of maps highlighting unmet need for a collection of primary programs of focus, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood; Health Profession Opportunity Grants; and the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. The research contributes to an understanding of the spatial distribution of human services unmet need across rural counties in the U.S., the structural inequities impacting the delivery of human services in rural contexts, and opportunities for strengthening the capacity of human services programs to promote economic and social wellbeing in rural communities.