Returns on investment of parent partner programs in child welfare

This study assesses the cost-benefits and returns on investment of two parent partner programs in child welfare. Using quasi-experimental outcome data and cost information from two parent partner programs, this study estimates the return on investment for programs in Washington and Iowa. The key finding is that both programs have net positive cost-benefits annually: $3.83 M in Washington and $3.30 M in Iowa. The return on investment for each program is also positive at $3.46 and $3.31, respectively, per $1 invested. This finding may have implications for policymakers and child welfare agencies considering investing in these two models.