Yes. MEF Associates will be leading the evaluation to understand how receiving a guaranteed income affects families over time. MEF will administer several surveys to learn about children and families who apply for the pilot and who participate in the pilot:
– Baseline and follow-up survey: Applicants will complete a short eligibility screening and a baseline survey. This survey is mandatory for participation in the pilot, however many questions are optional. MEF will also invite participants and a subset of applicants who were not selected to participate in the pilot to complete the survey a second time at the end of the pilot.
– Snapshot surveys: MEF will also administer voluntary snapshot surveys to gather information from participants and a subset of applicants who were not selected to participate in the pilot every other month after the first cash payment.
MEF Associates will be combining information from these surveys with data from government agencies (such as DCFAS and DHA) to understand how the pilot affects participants and their families. All data will be confidential, and MEF Associates will never identify participants by name in any reports or written materials.
Additionally, MEF Associates will be working with pilot participants and a subset of applicants who were not selected to participate in the pilot who volunteer to tell their stories about how receiving—or not receiving—the guaranteed income affects their families. This evaluation will contribute to research that informs expansion of guaranteed income as a strategy to support families.
An Independent Review Board (IRB) has reviewed and approved the FFESP research activities.