Guaranteed Income for Parental Stress

Overseen By Judith L Perrigo, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles

Disqualifiers: Live outside Pomona, Over 4 years old, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines the effects of a guaranteed income program on parents and caregivers in Pomona. Participants will receive $500 a month for 18 months, while researchers compare their financial security, well-being, and parenting to those receiving only $20 a month. The goal is to determine if this extra income enhances their quality of life and reduces stress. Ideal candidates are parents or caregivers living in Pomona with children under 5 who face financial challenges such as unemployment or housing insecurity due to the pandemic. As an unphased trial, this study provides participants with a unique opportunity to potentially improve their financial situation and overall well-being.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this guaranteed income program is safe for participants?

Research has shown that programs like the Pomona Household Universal Grant (HUG), which provide a guaranteed income, are generally safe. These programs often improve mental health and reduce stress, with no harmful effects reported. The Pomona HUG program provides $500 a month to participating families. As a financial support program, not a medical one, it causes no physical side effects. The main goal is to assess how this financial assistance affects well-being and financial security. Overall, participants can expect the program to be safe and potentially improve mental health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Pomona Household Universal Grant (HUG) Program because it explores a novel approach to reducing parental stress by providing guaranteed income. Unlike traditional methods for managing stress, which often involve therapy or medication, this program focuses on financial stability as a means to improve mental health. By giving participants a consistent monthly income, researchers hope to see a direct impact on stress levels, potentially offering a new pathway to support parents beyond typical psychological or pharmacological treatments. This trial could redefine how we think about treating stress by addressing financial insecurity as a core issue.

What evidence suggests that the Pomona HUG program could be effective for reducing parental stress?

Research has shown that guaranteed income programs can enhance financial security and well-being. Studies have found that these programs reduce financial struggles, improve mental health, and increase social support. Participants in other guaranteed income programs reported feeling less stressed and experiencing better parenting. These programs have also been linked to improved childhood development by easing financial pressures on families. In this trial, the Pomona Household Universal Grant (HUG) program aims to provide similar benefits. Participants in the treated group will receive $500 a month for 18 months, while those in the comparison group will receive $20 a month for the same period. ^{3 4 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Daniel Eisenberg, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of California, Los Angeles

Judith L Perrigo, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of California, Los Angeles

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The trial is for parents or caregivers with children under 4 years old living in Pomona. They must be economically vulnerable to qualify. The study excludes anyone not meeting these specific criteria.

Inclusion Criteria

Must meet at least one of the following qualifiers: Experienced negative impact due to the Covid-19 pandemic including: The participant or anyone in the participant's household experienced unemployment during the pandemic. The participant or anyone in the participant's household experienced increased food or housing insecurity during or as a result of the pandemic. Home address is located within a qualified census tract (QCT). Participant currently receiving any of the specified benefits. Household income is at or below 65% AMI (Area Median Income). In order to be approved for the program, the participant agrees to Informed Research Consent.

I am the parent or guardian of a child under 4 years old.

Must live in the City of Pomona

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals that do not meet one or more of the inclusion criteria listed above.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive either $500 or $20 per month for 18 months

18 months

Monthly disbursements

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for outcomes such as financial security and child well-being

6 months

Surveys and observations at 6 months post-intervention

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Pomona Household Universal Grant (HUG) Program

Trial Overview Pomona HUG program is testing the effects of providing $500 monthly for 18 months against a control group receiving $20 monthly, focusing on financial stability and family health outcomes.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Treated Group ($500 GI for 18 months) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Treated Group will receive $500 per month for 18 months (anticipated n=250)

Group II: Comparison Group ($20 GI for 18 months) Active Control 1 Intervention

Comparison Group will receive $20 per month for 18 months (anticipated n=350)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Los Angeles

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,594

Recruited

10,430,000+

City of Pomona

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

600+

FORWARD Platform

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

600+

Conrad N. Hilton Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

7

Recruited

9,200+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The SAFE pilot program demonstrated strong demand for mental health support among families of elementary students in Ontario, indicating its relevance beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants showed a high level of acceptance for the SAFE program, suggesting it could effectively address gaps in mental health services and provide valuable training for social work students.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Feasibility Study of the SAFE Pilot Program: A University-School Board Partnership in Ontario. Sanders, JE., Seale, A., Lewis, V., et al.[2023]

The Orion Video Home-Training Project, evaluated with 52 families facing parent-child interaction issues, showed significant improvements in positive communication compared to 64 control families, indicating its efficacy as a treatment alternative.

These communication gains were maintained for at least 6 months after the program ended, suggesting lasting benefits, although factors like family status and income influenced the degree of improvement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Video home training (the Orion project): a short-term preventive and treatment intervention for families with young children. Weiner, A., Kuppermintz, H., Guttmann, D.[2019]

A study involving 79 mothers with infants under one year old showed significant improvements in both infant behavior and maternal mental health one month after participating in a residential early parenting program, with reductions in daily crying and maternal depression scores.

The program was well-received, with high participant satisfaction, indicating that this psycho-educational approach is an effective early intervention for addressing parenting challenges and supporting maternal mental health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The contribution of Australian residential early parenting centres to comprehensive mental health care for mothers of infants: evidence from a prospective study. Rowe, HJ., Fisher, JR.[2021]

Parents who received or had received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) reported higher levels of psychological distress, specifically depressive and anxiety symptoms, compared to those who never enrolled in TANF.

Employment was found to significantly reduce psychological distress among parents, while reliance on general assistance was linked to increased distress, highlighting the importance of job opportunities and support for mental health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of work requirements on the psychological well-being of TANF recipients. Cheng, TC.[2019]

Safety net programs play a crucial role in supporting families, particularly by providing essential resources and assistance.

These programs, combined with employment opportunities for parents, contribute significantly to improving the overall well-being of families.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dramatic Drop in U.S. Childhood Poverty. [2022]

Women experiencing poverty and intimate partner violence (IPV) face significant challenges with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), as the limited cash benefits often lead to increased dependence on others and strain relationships.

The study suggests that enhancing TANF benefits, reducing stigma, and addressing racial disparities could improve women's wellbeing and potentially offer better protection against IPV, based on interviews with 13 women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Women's Lived Experiences with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): How TANF Can Better Support Women's Wellbeing and Reduce Intimate Partner Violence. Spencer, RA., Lemon, ED., Komro, KA., et al.[2022]

The parent education program at the San Fernando Valley Child Guidance Clinic effectively increased participants' knowledge about alternatives to physical punishment and normal child development, based on assessments from 40 parents who completed pre- and posttests.

Over 200 parents engaged with the program, which utilized a videotape series to facilitate group discussions, leading to positive changes in attitudes towards children's misbehavior.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A videotape parent education program for abusive parents. Golub, JS., Espinosa, M., Damon, L., et al.[2019]

The Parent Aide Program at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles utilizes trained community members to support families affected by child abuse and neglect, acting as a bridge to essential resources and services.

These aides provide practical assistance, such as emergency transportation and babysitting, along with emotional support, which can help improve the well-being of both the children and their nonabusive parents.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Parent aides: an intervention program in cases of child abuse and neglect. Press-Rigler, M., Kent, JT., Croot, P., et al.[2019]

The HUGS/Abrazos program effectively addressed the increased toxic stressors faced by pregnant women and families during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential support through patient navigation and behavioral health resources.

The program was widely adopted, with 392 families referred and a 79% follow-up rate, demonstrating its strong acceptance and potential for long-term impact on community health amidst ongoing challenges.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementation Evaluation of HUGS/Abrazos During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Program to Foster Resiliency in Pregnancy and Early Childhood. Liu, M., Simione, M., Perkins, ME., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. ucla.clinicaltrials.researcherprofiles.org ucla.clinicaltrials.researcherprofiles.org/trial/NCT06505811

Mixed Methods Evaluation of the Pomona Household ... Pomona HUG is a pilot project that will provide 250 parents/caregivers with children under 5 years old $500 a month for 18 months. Pomona's guaranteed income ( ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-mental-health-5-2024-d75c9

Guaranteed Income for Parental Stress Pomona HUG is a pilot project that will provide 250 parents/caregivers with children under 4 years old $500 a month for 18 months. Pomona's guaranteed income ( ...

3. hiltonfoundation.org hiltonfoundation.org/news/guaranteed-income-what-does-the-research-tell-us/

Guaranteed Income: What does the research tell us? Pomona Household Universal Grants Pilot Program (Pomona HUG), which provides 250 people with $500 each month for 18 months and is intended to support ...

4. forwardplatform.com forwardplatform.com/pomona-hug-program/

Pomona Household Universal Grant (HUG) Program No information is available for this page.

5. calmatters.org calmatters.org/newsletter/california-guaranteed-income-programs/

Guaranteed basic income programs proliferate in California More areas in California have started guaranteed basic income programs to test their ability to fight deepening economic inequality.

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06505811

Mixed Methods Evaluation of the Pomona Household ... Pomona HUG is a pilot project that will provide 250 parents/caregivers with children under 5 years old $500 a month for 18 months. Pomona's guaranteed income ( ...

7. ctv.veeva.com ctv.veeva.com/study/evaluation-of-the-pomona-household-universal-grant-hug-program

Mixed Methods Evaluation of the Pomona Household ... Pomona HUG is a pilot project that will provide 250 parents/caregivers with children under 5 years old $500 a month for 18 months. Pomona's ...