Work

“I’m Happy to be Happy for my Baby”: Perceptions of Rx Kids Prenatal and Infant Cash Prescriptions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose To understand participants’ perceptions of Rx Kids, a first-in-the-nation, community-wide prenatal and infant cash transfer program. Methods Open-ended responses to questions assessing 533 participants’ perceptions of Rx Kids were collected in a voluntary survey (53% response rate). In total, 3,608 responses were included in the analysis. Using codebook thematic analysis, researchers coded responses and generated themes. Results Researchers generated 8 themes: (1) financial stability and spending, (2) mental health and wellbeing, (3) empowerment, agency, & community, (4) parenting resources and perceptions, (5) families’ physical health, (6) gratitude, (7) program end, and (8) program extension and expansion. Conclusion Findings demonstrate a variety of favorable benefits from Rx Kids participation. Policymakers should consider prenatal and infant cash transfers as an effective intervention to improve outcomes for mothers, families, and communities at large.

Source: Journal of Policy Practice and Research

DOI: 10.1007/s42972-026-00138-6

Authors: Maya Wolock, Crystal L. Cederna, Mary Grace Ortega, Sarina Jain, Mona Hanna

Institutions: Michigan State University, University of Michigan

Language: English

Topic: Social Policies and Family

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190