Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study: What It is and How It Can Be Used in Research

Session Submission Type: Workshop

Description

The Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) is the longest running U.S. birth-cohort study based on a national probability sample. A key part of the country’s research infrastructure, FFCWS follows children from birth through young adulthood, enabling researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to understand how family structure, education, employment, income, health, housing, and resource sharing shape human development. Over 8,700 researchers have utilized FFCWS data to inform research agendas, public policy, and social programs. Most of the study's data are accessible for free through public-use processes with more sensitive data available through a contract process.

This workshop is designed for both new and current FFCWS data users who would like a deeper dive into our data. This workshop will introduce researchers to 1) a brief overview of the history and data collection of FFCWS, including survey and activity components; 2) a guide to the file structure, contents, and data conventions used in FFCWS including tips and advice from experts in FFCWS data support; and 3) an interactive tutorial on the contents and use of our documentation and metadata web interface. Our goals for this workshop are to provide a solid background for working with FFCWS data and to support participants as they begin variable exploration and selection relevant to their own research questions. Participants will also learn directly from dataset experts and receive hands-on guidance tailored to their interests.

Preliminary Agenda for ASA 2026
The workshop will involve three major components:
1. Introductory presentation from the facilitators: including slides covering history and background of FFCWS, survey components, topical contents of the data, and file structure and data conventions.
2. Demonstration and tutorial of metadata web interface: highlighting key functions and content available to the participants.
3. Q&A and discussion section: allowing participants to ask and discuss questions about FFCWS.

Sub Unit

• Workshops / Policy and Research Workshop

Presenter

• Panpan Yang, Center for Research on Child and Family Wellbeing

Session Organizer

• Sabrina Laverty, Princeton University