Vision care is easy to overlook but it has lasting impacts. Clear vision supports children's learning, development, and well-being. When vision problems go untreated, they can contribute to academic challenges and make it harder for children who have experienced trauma to…

PolicyLab responded to a request for comment from the Pennsylvania Bureau of WIC on the 2027 WIC State Plan of Program Operation and Administration.In their response, PolicyLab experts offered considerations to maximize effective cross-enrollment opportunities, expedite the transition…

The 2021 expanded Child Tax Credit (ECTC) provided families with six monthly cash transfer payments disbursed between July and December 2021, with the goal of alleviating financial strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. These payments reduced child poverty and food insufficiency and…

OBJECTIVEThe Family Bridge Program was developed at a single pediatric hospital to improve outcomes for hospitalized children from families of color, who are low income, or who speak a language other than English. The program uses a family navigator (“Guide”) that supports families via…

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…

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,…

Travis, a 17-year-old transgender boy, was admitted to an inpatient general pediatrics service for pyelonephritis and was also found to have severe constipation and weight loss. Detailed history revealed avoidance of eating, drinking, or urinating during daytime hours to avoid bathroom…

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…

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…

Adolescents experiencing homelessness are particularly susceptible to period poverty (the inability to consistently access menstrual hygiene products), which negatively affects their education.