Stoneleigh Fellow Meredith Matone discusses a new report from PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in partnership with Maternity Care Coalition that outlines evidence based strategies to improve long term health and financial stability.
Anew report from PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia calls on policymakers to strengthen economic security for children and families through coordinated investments in health care, education, housing, and financial support programs.
Released in February 2026 in partnership with Maternity Care Coalition, the study reviews scientific evidence across ten major policy areas that researchers say can significantly improve family stability amid rising affordability concerns.
The report examines programs including Medicaid, food and nutrition assistance, housing support, early care and education, cash assistance for families, tax credits, paid family and medical leave, minimum wage increases, predictive scheduling policies, and diaper assistance.
Researchers found that expanding or implementing these policies together could strengthen economic mobility and long-term outcomes for children, particularly during prenatal development and early childhood.
“Investing in families from the prenatal period through early childhood can have a significant positive impact on children’s long-term health, educational outcomes, and economic stability,” said Dr. Meredith Matone, director of PolicyLab.
