Using Vouchers to Deliver Social Services: Learning from the Goals, Uses, and Key Elements of Existing Federal Voucher Programs

In this primer on studying vouchers and their role in delivering social services, the authors summarize reasons for using vouchers; present an overview of how vouchers currently are used in public programs, with an emphasis on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services programs; derive lessons from existing programs about design and implementation; and assess outcomes of existing voucher programs. In addition, the paper outlines steps for research on vouchers, particularly in the Child Care and Development Fund and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs.