MDRC experts will be presenting at the 23^rd Research and Evaluation Conference on Self-Sufficiency (RECS), sponsored by the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC, on May 20-22.

RECS provides an opportunity to hear the latest findings from evaluations of human services and employment programs and policies, discuss ways to incorporate findings into the design and implementation of programs, and identify future evaluation needs.

Wednesday, May 20

10:30-11:45 am

How Effective is an Evidence-Based Employment Program in New Settings? Findings from Three Impact Evaluations of Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

• Speakers: Tim Kautz (Mathematica), Megan Millenky (MDRC), Karla Jones (Grand ARC),
• Moderator: Marie Lawrence (ACF)

3:00-4:15 pm

Unpacking the “Black Box”: Coaching, Care Coordination, and Case Management in TANF Employment Services

• Moderators: Michelle Abbott (MEF), Elizabeth Saldaña (MDRC)

Thursday, May 21

11:30 am-1:15 pm

Supporting Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) Secondary Educational Outcomes Reporting

• Moderators: Johanna Walter (MDRC) and Katerina Galkin (MDRC)

1:15–2:30 pm

Advancing Workforce Development Through Research, Practice, and Policy

• Speakers: Kelsey Schaberg (MDRC), Stolas Mares-Cuff (STRIVE), Brent Orrell (American Enterprise Institute)
• Moderator: Hilary Bruck (ACF)

Lessons on Employer Engagement from Employment and Training Programs for Young People

• Speakers: Louisa Treskon (MDRC), Emma Alterman (MDRC), Tanika Marshall (AHRC New York City)
• Moderator: Megan Millenky (MDRC)

2:45 pm – 4:00 pm

Plenary Session: Defining What Works in Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) Programs

• Speakers: Aleta Meyer (ACF), Sandra Wilson (Abt Global), Dina Israel (MDRC), Destini Goodwin (Fathers and Families Support Center, St. Louis), Kelsey Giroux (Strong Families, Strong Wyoming), Brian Doss (University of Miami)
• Moderator: John Allen (Office of Family Assistance)

Friday, May 22

8:45-10:00 am

Recent Findings from Federally Sponsored Fatherhood Evaluations

• Speakers: Dina Israel (MDRC), Tracy Maynigo (Montefiore Medical Center), Paige Thompson (independent research and evaluation consultant)
• Moderator: John Allen (ACF)

10:15–11:30 am

Building State Data Capacity: Lessons from Collaboratives with Human Services, Workforce, Education, and Corrections Agencies

• Speakers: Erika Lundquist (MDRC), Marci McCoy-Roth (American Public Human Services Association), Charles McGrew (Coleridge Initiative)
• Moderator: Siri Warkentien (ACF)

Employment Services in Practice: Practitioner Insights from the BEES Project

• Speakers: Caroline Mage (MDRC), Chris Knoper (Impact Behavioral Health Partners), Trevor Nissan (Central City Concern), Patti DePiro (University of North Carolina)

From Idea to Impact: Implementing Behavioral Science in Real World Settings

• Speakers: Caitlin Anzelone (MDRC), Kathleen Keathley (Starfish Family Services), Laura Cojocaru (MDRC)
• Moderator: Kim Clum (ACF)

Registration for RECS is free.