Two-Generation Approaches

There is a growing recognition that traditional investments that focus solely on adults or children constrain potential impacts by not engaging with families holistically to support and sustain growth and opportunity. By contrast, two-generation or dual-generation approaches address the challenge of intergenerational poverty by aligning and coordinating services for children with services for their parents, and developing programs that serve both together. Two-generation approaches consider the needs of both vulnerable children and parents, together, in the design and delivery of services and programs to support improved economic, educational, health, safety, and other outcomes.
The purpose of this document is to provide local communities and practitioners with an overview of the research, best practices, and many resources available to stakeholders interested in two-generation approaches. As such, it is not an exhaustive survey of all the information in the field, but it will provide a portal and path to the knowledge that exists. As you will see below, this guide highlights critical strategies and practices, spotlights example programs, and identifies additional resources to inform and support local action on this issue.