Bill Overview
Title: Helping HANDS for Families Act
Description: This bill allows states and tribes to use funds to provide an online portal to facilitate the provision of community support for families and children under the MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families grant program.
Sponsors: Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-3]
Target Audience
Population: Families and children supported by the MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families grant program
Estimated Size: 7500000
- This bill impacts families and children, specifically those who are part of programs under the MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families grant program.
- The bill allows support to be channeled more effectively through an online portal, which will help families and children in need of community services.
- The involvement of states and tribes indicates the target population includes families across various states and regions, particularly those who are part of communities served by tribes.
- Given that this is a U.S. federal initiative, the primary population impacted is in the United States.
Reasoning
- The target population for this policy mainly includes families and children who are part of the MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families grant program, implying these are likely low-income families or those in challenging situations.
- By using an online portal, the policy aims to streamline the access to community support, which can potentially improve the efficiency and effectiveness of resource distribution for families in need.
- Since the policy is federally funded and involves both states and tribes, it will affect a diverse range of families throughout the U.S., including various socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.
- Considering the budget limitation, the impact might focus on improving the quality and accessibility of services rather than extending to new services.
- Individuals not directly involved in the MaryLee Allen program might not see any impact but could benefit indirectly if community services in general improve.
Simulated Interviews
single mother, part-time cashier (New York, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this online portal could really help me navigate and access different services easier.
- Right now, it's always stressful trying to figure out which service I qualify for and how to apply.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
maintenance worker (Oklahoma City, OK)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having everything online could make it simpler for my family to keep up with the aid options available.
- I'm concerned about how this portal would be maintained and if it will truly cover all necessary services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
school teacher (Rural Pennsylvania)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might indirectly help families I work with by improving the coordination of resources.
- I'm hopeful but skeptical about the effectiveness of an online portal for some of the less tech-savvy families.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
unemployed, former factory worker (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It seems like a good step in the right direction, anything that makes it easier to find help is welcome.
- I just hope it actually delivers on making things easier instead of complicating them.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
retired nurse (Chicago, IL)
Age: 64 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it could significantly help families manage their resources better with a more graspable system.
- Technological barriers might still persist for some of the older community members.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
graduate student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From what I've seen, there’s potential for improved connectivity in services.
- My concern is the digital divide and whether all families have the means to access such online tools.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
auto repair technician (Detroit, MI)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If it helps me get things done quicker and with less stress, that's already a win.
- I'm just not sure how much it will change anything beyond simplifying digital access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
construction worker (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Online tools could be really helpful but they have to be easy to use.
- Some families in communities I've been part of might struggle with online access or digital skills.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
social worker (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There’s a significant possibility for a positive shift in access and awareness of services.
- However, it requires continuous updates and education to ensure it meets family needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
hospitality worker (Houston, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m hopeful it expands the reach and efficiency of support we receive.
- There’s always a worry about tech hurdles for families not accustomed to these changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 3: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 5: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The initial setup and development phase will be cost-intensive due to technology and integration challenges.
- Sustaining the portal operationally involves state and tribe coordination, which may present variances in deployment costs.
- Potential savings are anticipated through streamlined service provision and reduced need for intensive interventions.