Uncorrected vision problems can exacerbate learning difficulties, social isolation and emotional distress. Children in foster care already face disproportionate risk for these difficulties. Early identification and treatment of vision issues can significantly improve a child’s ability…

PolicyLab responded to a request for comment from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA); Interpretation of “Federal Public Benefit”.In their response, contributing PolicyLab experts…

K-12 schools are well positioned to address rising mental health challenges among youth, and school and district staff (i.e., "educators") have important perspectives about youth mental health. There is a need for research to identify educators' specific areas of concern about youth…

Child health outcomes are often determined by factors outside of the health care system. At PolicyLab, our vision for health equity is that all children have the opportunity to achieve the best possible health outcomes, regardless of their race, ethnicity, preferred language,…

Children’s early years are a vital period of development. Access to health care in early childhood is especially important given the critical need for vaccinations and developmental screenings during this period. Health care coverage is closely tied to health care access. Yet, children…

PolicyLab responded to a request for comment from the Pennsylvania Bureau of WIC on the 2026 WIC State Plan of Program Operation and Administration.In their response, PolicyLab experts offered recommendations to help increase uptake rates in Pennsylvania’s WIC program and to lower…

Adolescence, marked by rapid growth and development, is a critically important life stage for health and well-being. The health and well-being youth experience during this period have a lasting impact, shaping an individual’s overall health into adulthood. Members of our …

Background and objectives: New regulations require hospitals to screen patients for health-related social needs (HRSNs). Neighborhood indices, like the Child Opportunity Index (COI), may help identify families at risk of experiencing HRSNs and inform targeting of health system…

Background: Postpartum parents of hospitalized infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) have higher rates of chronic disease and pregnancy complications than parents of well newborns. NICU parents may prioritize remaining at their infants' bedsides over their own…

Many families in the Commonwealth struggle to afford the food they need to stay healthy. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) play a vital role in promoting child health and development…