Advancing Connectivity for Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluation of Iowa’s Phones for Families Program, May, 2021

(2021) Advancing Connectivity for Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluation of Iowa’s Phones for Families Program, May, 2021. Public Health, Department of (Health and Human Services, Department of)

Preview

PDF i2d2 - phones for families report june 2021 (1).pdf File Size:774kB

Abstract

The Phones for Families program was designed to provide smartphones to families during the pandemic in order for them to be able to connect with their family support worker or home visitor, as well as with the friends and family in their social support networks. Additionally, the provision of a smartphone and digital services allowed these families access to a myriad of additional opportunities and resources such as internet access, educational and school apps, and access to job listings. Families were able to use these phones in whatever way they needed. In fact, the only restriction placed on families was that they were not to use the phones to conduct illegal business and that the phones needed to be returned at the conclusion of services.