Advancing Health Equity Via Basic Income and Early Childhood Systems Integration: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Baby Bonus Program

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether community-based support through community health workers (CHWs) can improve the use of social and health services as well as child development in families with healthy newborns. The study also explores whether adding income support to CHW services enhances these effects. This randomized controlled trial involves English and Spanish speaking families within a collective impact model, partnering with a university children's hospital, county health officials, early childhood organizations, and Medicaid managed care. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: one receiving coordinated services via a Community Health Worker for three years in a hybrid format; another receiving the same CHW services plus guaranteed basic income for 36 months; and a control group receiving no intervention. The CHWs help families navigate medical systems and connect to community resources during the child's first three years. Throughout the study, families will be assessed at multiple time points up to 36 months for outcomes including attendance at well-child visits, emergency department use, referrals to Child Protective Services, and participation in nutrition programs like WIC and SNAP. Child development is evaluated around 18 to 22 months and 30 to 34 months. Parent stress, depression, mental health service use, breastfeeding duration, and parental involvement are also monitored. Data is collected via surveys, administrative records, and standardized scales to assess changes over time.

Integrating Systems and Basic Income: Improving Outcomes for Families of Young Children