Overview
Title
Proposed Information Collection Activity; OPRE Data Collection for the Next Generation of Enhanced Employment Strategies Project (Revision of a Currently Approved Collection-OMB #0970-0545)
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to collect more information to see how to help people with money and jobs, especially after COVID-19. They are checking with people first to make sure it's okay, and they want to hear what everyone thinks about this idea.
Summary AI
The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE), part of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), is proposing updates to the data collection activities for the Next Generation of Enhanced Employment Strategies (NextGen) Project. This project aims to evaluate innovative interventions that help low-income individuals with employment challenges improve their economic security. Changes include updates to consent forms and data collection tools to better measure social support, social trust, and employment outcomes, especially related to COVID-19. The public is invited to comment on these proposed revisions within 30 days of the notice's publication.
Abstract
The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is proposing revisions to data collection activities conducted for the Next Generation of Enhanced Employment Strategies (NextGen) Project, which is rigorously evaluating innovative interventions designed to promote employment and economic security among low-income individuals with complex challenges to employment. The project includes an experimental impact study, descriptive study, and cost study. The project is seeking clearance for changes to the previously approved Phase 1 instruments, updates to the previously approved consent form, and clearance for a parent/guardian consent form and a youth assent form for use in evaluations of programs for youth. The project also seeks approval to use a subset of Phase 2 instruments with programs selected for inclusion in the project with some changes made to those instruments. The requested changes do not change the previously submitted burden estimates.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, part of the Administration for Children and Families, outlines proposed revisions to data collection activities for the Next Generation of Enhanced Employment Strategies (NextGen) Project. This initiative focuses on evaluating interventions that aim to improve employment and economic security for individuals facing complex employment challenges. The revisions primarily seek approval for changes in data collection instruments and consent forms, alongside the inclusion of new data points that reflect the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The public is invited to provide comments on these proposed changes within 30 days of the announcement's publication.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several critical issues arise from the proposed document. Firstly, the technical and lengthy nature of the text may make it challenging for the general audience to comprehend fully. This complexity might limit effective public engagement and feedback, as stakeholders may not grasp the full implications of the proposed changes.
Furthermore, the proposed updates to the informed consent form, notably the extension of data collection duration from ten to twenty years and the alteration of the Social Security Administration’s research timeline, raise substantial concerns regarding participant privacy and data security over such an extended period. Stakeholders might worry about the long-term use and potential risks associated with holding personal data beyond the originally intended timeframe.
Additionally, the introduction of new items, particularly those linked to COVID-19, might generate privacy concerns. Without clear justification for why specific personal health information is necessary, respondents might perceive these data collection points as intrusive or excessive.
The proposed changes could also suggest an increased burden on respondents, contrary to the document’s claims that burden estimates remain unchanged. The responsibility to provide more detailed information may not be apparent, but it could inadvertently extend the reporting effort required from participants.
Broader Public Impact
Broadly, these proposed changes could influence public perception concerning government-led research and data handling practices. On one hand, by improving how employment challenges are understood and addressed, successful interventions can positively impact communities, reducing unemployment among vulnerable groups. On the other hand, concerns regarding extensive data collection, particularly without clear justifications, might create apprehension regarding privacy and governmental data collection intentions.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Specific stakeholder groups are likely to experience varying degrees of impact. Low-income individuals participating in these programs might greatly benefit from refined and effective employment strategies tailored to address their specific challenges. However, the concerns surrounding data privacy and long-term information use might deter individuals from participating.
Program staff and local community organizations involved in implementing these interventions might also feel the burden of adapting to new data collection requirements and maintaining compliance with updated procedures. The clarity and rationale behind selective program evaluation could play a pivotal role in ensuring collaboration and continued support from these stakeholders.
In conclusion, while the proposed revisions aim to enhance and tailor data collection for better outcomes, they also present challenges that must be addressed to maintain trust and engagement among all parties involved. Clear communication, transparency, and stakeholder engagement are crucial elements to ensure that these changes serve the best interests of all stakeholders, particularly the individuals the programs are designed to assist.
Issues
• The document is quite long and detailed, which may make it difficult for the general public to comprehend fully.
• The description of changes to the informed consent form and its implications on privacy may not be easily understood by all stakeholders.
• The extended timeline for data collection (from 10 years to 20 years and SSA's research date change from 2028 to 2040) might raise concerns about the long-term use and security of participant data.
• The addition of new items to surveys and forms, such as those related to COVID-19 status, could be seen as an overreach or privacy concern without clear justification.
• The document does not provide a clear explanation of why certain programs are selected for study, which could lead to perceptions of favoritism.
• The reasoning or evidence supporting the necessity for some of the proposed form changes, such as the addition of new data collection points, is not fully transparent, possibly creating ambiguity.
• There might be an implication of additional burden on respondents due to the proposed changes, despite claims that the burden estimates remain unchanged.
• The language related to program-specific tailoring and non-substantive changes could be seen as vague and open to interpretation.