Introduction
Diaper need, or the gap between sufficient diapers to keep a child dry and what their caregiver can provide, affects more than 5 million children in the United States. To help meet this need, diaper distribution programs provide diapers and diapering supplies to caregivers and families experiencing diaper need, often through a network of community partners. The Office of Community Services in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) launched the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot, the first federally funded diaper assistance initiative. The purpose of the pilot is to provide funding to strengthen and expand existing diaper distribution programs through a robust network of community partners.
Purpose
The purpose of this brief is to provide foundational information about diaper distribution programs. The brief begins by summarizing the literature review approach and highlighting key findings about diaper distribution. Then, the brief summarizes current knowledge about diaper distribution programs and the research on these programs. Mathematica conducted this review as part of the ACF Evidence Capacity Support project funded by OPRE.
Key Findings and Highlights
Findings from the literature address three areas: (1) existing government support for diaper assistance, (2) diaper distribution program structures, and (3) output measures and potential outcomes related to addressing diaper need through diaper distribution. Key findings include:
- Most state and federal government programs that support families with low incomes do not provide resources for diapers.
- Diaper distribution programs vary in their organizational structure but often use a network of community partners to distribute diapers directly to caregivers and families.
- The size, capacity, and reach of diaper distribution programs vary.
- Diaper distribution programs have the potential to improve the lives of families and communities. Almost all reviewed research highlighted observed and potential outcomes related to meeting diaper need, and a few articles suggested potential outcomes that could result specifically from diaper distribution programs.
Methods
The literature review sought to identify research that described and studied diaper distribution programs. Mathematica reviewed 15 articles identified by OPRE and identified 1 additional article to review from reference lists in these articles. The team also conducted a systematic search of 16 databases to identify additional research on diaper distribution programs and thoroughly understand information gaps in the literature. The team limited search results to the last 10 years, and search terms included "diaper banks," "diaper need," and "diaper distribution."
To identify the most relevant research, the team screened for articles that included information about diaper distribution programs’ outputs and outcomes or described diaper need and associated health, demographic, and material hardship factors. After assessing the relevance of the articles and cross-checking with the articles previously identified by OPRE, the team identified 7 additional articles for review. Then the team completed a targeted internet search for documentation on programs discussed in these articles, which resulted in 7 additional non-research program documents, such as a diaper distribution program’s annual report or organizational structure overview. Ultimately, the review included 30 relevant articles or program documents, which this brief summarizes.
Citation
Gates, D., Callaway, I., Campbell, S., McCormick, M., & Zaveri, H. (2023). “Diaper Distribution Programs: Overview of programs and available literature.” OPRE brief 2023-019. Washington, D.C., Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Glossary
- Diaper Distribution:
- The provision of diapers and diapering supplies to caregivers and families experiencing diaper need, often through a network of community partners; the most prevalent strategy to meet diaper need.
- Diaper need:
- The gap between sufficient diapers to keep a child dry and what their caregiver can provide.