Defining a Two-Generation Logic Model
Evidence | Publications

Defining a Two-Generation Logic Model

OPRE Report #2022-238
Published: Sep 30, 2022
Publisher: Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Human Services Early Childhood Child Development Early Childhood Systems Family Support TANF and Employment Issues Federal
Associated Project

Next Steps for Rigorous Research on Two-Generation Approaches

Time frame: 2019-2023

Prepared for:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation

Clients
OPRE Logo
Key Findings

A two-generation logic model is distinguished from a traditional logic model by the following components:

  • A box representing the specific characteristics of the primary caregiver, the child, and the family’s mutual motivation. Mutual motivation describes how family members will be motivated to participate in services when they recognize and value the other family members’ activities and progress through services.
  • Separate boxes for adult, child, and family services to depict how a two-generation initiative touches the lives of several people in the same family.
  • A box for mutually reinforcing services to illustrate that services for one member of a family might influence services for other family members.
  • Customizable arrows linking activities to outcomes to show that adult, child, and family outcomes can reinforce one another.

This brief describes how two-generation initiatives participating in the NS2G project developed and refined a two-generation logic model to help them identify the right mix of services for primary caregivers and their children. This brief is intended for practitioners who provide two-generation services and seek to develop a logic model. Appendix A in this brief includes a blank logic model template designed to help practitioners identify these core components for their own initiative.

The two-generation logic model aims to show the pathways from activities to intended outcomes for a two-generation initiative, in which children, primary caregivers, and families can achieve interconnected goals. It describes the characteristics of the families served, the core services offered to each generation to support family economic security and child development, and how those services are intentionally coordinated and mutually reinforcing. In a two-generation logic model, service providers’ efforts align and build on one another toward achieving a shared vision and common or compatible goals for serving families.

How do you apply evidence?

Take our quick four-question survey to help us curate evidence and insights that serve you.

Take our survey