The Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is pleased to announce that the 12th Annual Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference will be held May 27-29, 2009 in Washington, DC.

GOALS OF THE CONFERENCE

This year’s conference will feature a rich set of presentations that draw together what we know from past research as well as the most current research on welfare, employment, and family self-sufficiency programs and policies. Speakers will highlight the implications of findings for families during the current economic downturn, as well as for implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The conference will be organized around five major themes:

• Opportunity, Stability, and Progression in Employment;
• Employment, Services, and Treatment for Individuals with Barriers to Work;
• Anti-Poverty Policy and Strategies for Improved Wellbeing;
• Research and Policy Tools for State and Local Policymakers; and,
• Promoting Wellbeing among Children, Youth, and Families.

These broad themes are meant to encompass major areas of current research and to focus conversations throughout the conference. As in the past, we expect a mix of researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers will participate in the conference, and we hope to stimulate productive dialogue across these diverse perspectives.

Online registration is now closed for the 2009 Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference. Registration will be available onsite at the conference.