Soon after the new administration begins governing in January, it is expected to propose an ambitious, multipronged urban policy that includes both housing and community-development activities, and the establishment of "Promise Neighborhoods" that provide networks of community-based diversified services for low-income children and youth. Do these two approaches run on parallel tracks, or can they be interwoven so they more effectively stem the cycle of concentrated, intergenerational poverty?

This Thursday's Child explores how initiatives that integrate services for high-need young people can complement the kind of comprehensive neighborhood development work now being enacted in Chicago, the San Francisco Bay Area, Detroit, and other cities. Panelists will discuss lessons learned from established community-building initiatives, as well as the research agenda that is still needed to strengthen new and continuing efforts. Speakers examine models of place-based integrative services and analyze how such initiatives can best help young people living in poverty and improve their academic achievement. The role of federal urban policy and programs for children, youth, and families is also discussed.

Panelists

Robert Chaskin, Chapin Hall research fellow and associate professor, School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago

Ajay Chaudry, director of the Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population, the Urban Institute

Craig Howard, director of community and economic development, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Celena Roldan, director of child care, Erie Neighborhood House

Matthew Stagner, executive director, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago (moderator)