1-076 - New Perspectives and Strategies for Studying Hispanic Children and Families

Session Type: Conversation Roundtable

Integrative Statement

Hispanics represent the largest and one of the fastest-growing minority population subgroups in the U.S. According to the 2010 Census, more than 50 million Hispanics live in the United States, accounting for 16.3% of the total U.S. population and 23.1% of children under the age of 18 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). The Hispanic population has also increased by 30.3% from 2000 to 2010, compared with a 10.6% increase for African Americans and a 1.1% increase for non-Hispanic Whites (Pew Hispanic Center, 2008; U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). While there has been increased research attention given to this population, what we know is limited due to our current limitations in measures, methodologies and approaches. In particular, current approaches often lack the necessary attention to the considerable heterogeneity within the Hispanic population, including variation in country of origin, acculturation, language proficiency, socioeconomic status, etc.

This roundtable session will discuss new perspectives and research strategies to strengthen efforts examining issues of relevance to the heterogeneous population of Hispanic children and families. Experts in the field will discuss 1) the utility of Integrated Data Systems; 2) insights offered by current national datasets; and 3) the importance of cultural competence in research and programming. Across these topics, the panel will incorporate important themes of addressing the heterogeneity of the Hispanic population, utilizing an asset-based framework, maintaining an applied, policy-relevant focus and tailoring research products to a targeted audience, and contextualizing efforts.

Michelle Blocklin will serve as the moderator for the roundtable session.

Sub Unit

• Race, Ethnicity, Culture, Context

Moderator

• Michelle Blocklin, Abt Associates Inc

Panelists

• Michael L. Lopez, Abt Associates, Inc.

• Danielle A Crosby, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• Julia Mendez Smith, University of North Carolina at Greensboro