James White

Through careful and rigorous research, we know that there is a better way to approach child support policy to build strong families and communities.

As we reimagine public systems and services to work better for families, we have an opportunity to do so in a way that honors the full diversity of family structures, as families themselves define them, and builds upon families’ inherent resilience. This requires an intentional and explicit commitment to applying a gender lens inclusive of …
Bringing Fathers Into Focus for Child & Family Well-Being Read More »

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which then turns to May as Foster Care Month. The time to acknowledge deep disparities in our child welfare system is long overdue. The data is clear that our current response is hurting our children and families, particularly Black, Indigenous and people of color. We cannot and should …
Time to Transform Child Welfare into A Child and Family Well-Being System Read More »

It’s a common story across the country. A parent living paycheck to paycheck, overloaded by stress, where just one setback can tip the balance. Without the supports that all families need – stable adequate housing, safe neighborhoods, affordable quality childcare, access to health and mental health care, economic security and the resources to meet basic …

While the perinatal period can be an exciting time for families, Black mothers are more likely to experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) but are less likely to receive treatment. PMADs include depression during pregnancy, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and postpartum depression. Almost 40 percent of Black mothers experience postpartum depression compared to roughly …
Culturally Rooted and Responsive Ways to Bridge Gaps in Maternal Mental Health Read More »

Dear Friends and Colleagues, Ascend at the Aspen Institute is outraged and deeply saddened by the tragic shooting in Atlanta, GA that took the lives of eight innocent people, including six Asian-American women, last week. Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered such a profound loss as well as the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community who are left grieving and in fear. We condemn this …
Ascend Stands in Solidarity With Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities Read More »