Trial of Community Support Worker Help for Families with Young Children Facing Poverty Testing Primary Care Poverty Screening and Financial Support Navigation To Improve Parent and Child Health Outcomes

What this Trial Is About

Poverty during early childhood can have lasting negative effects on both parents and childrens health. This study evaluates whether support from a Community Support Worker CSW who helps families navigate social services and income benefits can improve family income, reduce parenting stress, and enhance child health. The trial is a multi-site randomized controlled study conducted within primary care practices in Toronto and Kingston, aiming to better integrate health and social services for families facing financial difficulties. Families with children from birth to 3 years old who report difficulty making ends meet will be randomly assigned either to receive the intervention with a Community Support Worker or usual care. The CSW will review social needs such as food, housing, medication affordability, energy insecurity, and dental care, assisting families with applications for income supports and benefits. Visits may be conducted in person, by phone, or videoconference, depending on participant preference and COVID-19 guidelines. Both groups will receive a written summary of available community resources. Participants will be followed for 6 and 12 months after enrollment. Assessments include parenting stress measured by the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, changes in household income and food security, parent depression and anxiety, child development and social-emotional health, use of community resources, and health care use by parent and child. The study will provide insight into whether addressing social needs in primary care can improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities related to poverty.

Connecting Families