Bill Overview
Title: Community Mentors for Moms Act
Description: This bill requires the Health Resources & Services Administration to make grants for demonstration projects that provide community-based maternal mentoring, which may include dedicated individual mentors and networks of peer and community support groups.
Sponsors: Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-3]
Target Audience
Population: Mothers in need of community-based mentoring and support
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The bill focuses on providing community-based maternal mentoring.
- The primary target population will be mothers in need of support or mentoring.
- The goal is to provide mentors and support groups, suggesting both new and seasoned mothers could be beneficiaries.
- This type of program could potentially extend to mothers from various demographic backgrounds, including diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic groups.
- Globally, there are numerous mothers who might benefit from enhanced support services.
Reasoning
- The target demographic for this policy is broad but focused on mothers who could benefit from additional support.
- It covers a range of mothers including those who are economically disadvantaged, new mothers, single mothers, and those who may benefit from community support.
- Costs per beneficiary must be kept low to maximize the number of beneficiaries within the budgetary constraints.
- The policy allows for a combination of individual mentors and group support, which enables scalability and potentially lower per-beneficiary costs.
- High-need areas where mothers have less access to support services might serve as initial roll-out targets to maximize impact.
- Given the scale of potential beneficiaries, the policy is likely to start with pilot projects and expand as outcomes are measured.
Simulated Interviews
Part-time retail (Chicago, IL)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often feel overwhelmed as a single parent.
- Having a mentor or being part of a community group could provide much-needed support.
- I would participate if it fits my schedule and is accessible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Stay-at-home mom (Dallas, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I would love to connect with other mothers in the area.
- A mentoring program sounds beneficial if there were local meetings or events.
- I am curious about what these programs actually offer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Software developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I don't feel I need a mentor, having a peer group to share experiences with could be nice.
- It's tough balancing work and new motherhood, so any support is welcome.
- Childcare availability is my main concern currently.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
High school teacher (Rural Montana)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Support in rural areas is very limited, so this policy could make a big difference.
- A community group would help with exchanging parenting ideas and overcoming challenges with teenagers.
- Funding and sustainability of new programs is always a concern for us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Marketing executive (New York, NY)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is not directly relevant to my life as I don't have children and don't plan to.
- I think it's important to support mothers, though, especially in high-cost areas like NYC.
- Could the program address workplace policies for parental leave?
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 | 7 | 7 |
College student (Orlando, FL)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a young mom-to-be, I'm really nervous about what comes next. Having a mentor might alleviate some worries.
- Access to parenting classes would be really helpful too.
- Support from this program could be crucial for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Hospital administrator (Seattle, WA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Adjusting to new parenthood after adoption is challenging.
- I believe having a mentor could provide valuable guidance.
- Interested in networking with other adoptive parents.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Freelance artist (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A program like this could offer the financial guidance I need as a freelancer and a mom.
- I hope it includes resources on balancing work and childrearing.
- My family is supportive, but external professional help would be valuable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Factory worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm exhausted trying to juggle work and parenting on my own.
- Access to mentors could offer strategies for improving my situation.
- I hope transportation to support groups is provided.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Retired nurse (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 57 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a retiree, I have time and experience to help young mothers. I would love to volunteer as a mentor in this program.
- This is a great opportunity for community building.
- I also see it as a way to stay active and involved.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $55000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $55000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $60000000)
Year 3: $55000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $60000000)
Year 5: $55000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $60000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The scale and nature of the demonstration projects will determine much of the cost structure.
- Community-based mentorship historically tends to require intensive resource allocation, especially in its initial setup period.
- Potential positive externalities such as improved family stability and mental health are possible but unquantified benefits.
- The cost estimate must include diversity in needs across different demographic groups and geographic areas.