Key Points Question Are state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) policy options associated with rates of Child Protective Services involvement and use of foster care services in the US? Findings This cohort study including all 50 states and the District of Columbia noted that adoption of SNAP policies increased from 2004 to 2016 and, accompanying the increases, substantiated reports of childhood neglect decreased. In instrumental variables models, policies to operate through SNAP caseloads were identified. Meaning The findings of this study suggest SNAP policy options that increase the generosity and stability of household resources may yield valuable population health returns by preventing child maltreatment and the need for costly child welfare interventions.

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Objective:This study examined the short-term impact on child, family, and parent outcomes of a peer-to-peer psychoeducational intervention, Parents Taking Action (PTA) for Black families of children awaiting developmental-behavioral pediatric evaluations.Methods:We targeted parents and other primary caregivers of Black children aged 8 years or younger awaiting a developmental or autism evaluation at an academic tertiary care hospital. Using a single-arm design, we recruited participants directly from the appointment waitlist and used flyers in local pediatric and subspecialty clinics. Eligible participants received a version of PTA adapted for Black children in two 6-week modules delivered synchronously online. In addition to initial baseline demographic data, we collected 4 standardized measures of parent stress and depression, family outcomes (e.g., advocacy), and child behavior at preintervention, midintervention, and postintervention. We calculated effect sizes and used linear mixed models to examine changes over time.Results:Fifteen participants completed PTA, the majority of whom were Black mothers with annual household incomes <$50,000. All children were Black and mostly boys, with an average age of 4.6 years. Parent depression, the family outcome total score, and 3 family outcomes (understanding child's strengths, needs, and abilities; knowing rights and advocating for child; and helping child develop and learn) significantly improved pre-post intervention, with medium to large effect sizes. Furthermore, the family outcome total score and “knowing rights and advocating for child” outcome significantly increased by midintervention (d = 0.62–0.80).Conclusion:Peer-delivered interventions can result in positive outcomes for families awaiting diagnostic evaluations. Further research is needed to confirm findings.