MEF Associates will be responsible for evaluating the pilot program, focusing on its design, implementation, and overall effectiveness in meeting the outlined goals. Their access to data will be strictly limited to what is necessary for conducting the evaluation, ensuring that all information collected and analyzed remains confidential and used solely for research purposes. This evaluation will include examining how the program influences family stability, child well-being, and related social outcomes.
United Way, as a key partner, will have access to applicant information for operational and support purposes. Their primary role will involve contacting applicants who have been randomly selected through the lottery system. They will verify participant eligibility, provide benefits counseling, and guide selected individuals through the onboarding process. This step is essential to ensure that participants fully understand the program requirements, available support services, and the benefits they may receive. United Way’s involvement ensures a smooth transition for participants entering the pilot while maintaining strong communication and trust with families.
Although part of the pilot evaluation will involve collecting child welfare outcome data, strict data protection measures will be maintained throughout the process. Child Protective Services (CPS) will not have access to any personally identifying information such as participant names, dates of birth, or addresses. This safeguard is in place to ensure privacy and prevent any perception of surveillance or intervention by CPS in the participants’ lives.
Instead, relevant data will be securely shared with the Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services’ Quality Management team. This team will collaborate closely with MEF Associates to analyze child welfare outcomes for participating families. Importantly, CPS will not be tracking or monitoring families in any way, reinforcing the program’s commitment to confidentiality and ethical data handling. All data exchanges will follow strict privacy protocols to maintain participants’ trust and integrity in the pilot’s evaluation process, ensuring that information is used only to assess program impact and improve future policy design.