How Policymakers Can Use Automation to Help Families and Children

September 8, 2008 Intended for policymakers, this paper explains three new automated procedures that hold promise for children and families. The innovations include: 21st century information technology that can ensure that millions of eligible, low-income families and children can receive essential services long promised by government; the restructuring of need-based programs to automatically provide more help during economic downturns and shield families from harm while shortening recessions and making them less severe; and cable and satellite television companies that could be required to automatically provide family-friendly programming unless subscribers affirmatively request channels that offer violence, sex, and . . .