The earlier the intervention in the life of a child, the more likely a successful outcome will be achieved and the greater the potential savings on future social service costs. Research on early brain development confirms that regardless of the "wiring," it is possible to achieve substantial improvement in the functioning of children born into high-risk situations (e.g., drug exposed, abused or neglected, living in extreme poverty, having poorly educated parents). We support a variety of programs focused on such young children, both in their homes and in community-based centers. We also support several excellent parenting skills programs.

Tiger supports long-term, comprehensive models which provide all the services necessary for families to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. We seek organizations able to document their success with these families as they struggle to improve their "assets" and work toward productive lives. For example: Is the family living in safe stable housing and are they able to maintain their housing? If the head of the household is not employed or in school, is s/he in a job program that will lead to viable employment? Does the family have open cases of child abuse or neglect? Does the family have access to reliable child care options? Is the family in counseling for any identified/diagnosed problems with substance abuse, physical abuse, etc.? If the parents of children are unmarried, are they at least both actively involved in the parenting responsibilities?

Teen pregnancy is clearly a determinant of future poverty and the need for a host of costly social services. For example, more than 80% of young mothers (aged 17 and below) end up in poverty and reliant on welfare. Further, it is the children of teen parents who most likely go on to become teen parents themselves. And, teens living in poverty are most at risk of too early parenting. The Foundation considers a host of youth development programs designed to prevent teen pregnancy. Models include school-based curricula, peer education programs, mentoring programs, and multi-component models. Programs should track and measure: reduced pregnancy rates; delayed onset of sexual activity; decrease in sexual activity for those already active; improved contraceptive practices; other intermediate markers of positive behavior (e.g., improved academic performance, employment, decrease in substance abuse, increase in self esteem, etc.).

In 2002, Tiger launched an initiative to pursue cross-committee funding opportunities targeting youth aging out of foster care. Targeting youth leaving foster care represents a critical intervention point. Without the necessary support services, these youth will not be able to "break out" of the cycle of poverty. If these teens are not provided with the tools to become self-sufficient we will undoubtedly see them as adults in our job training and family support programs, after years of public investment in welfare or the criminal justice system. In addition, children and teens in foster care spend years in the system without stable relationships and support for education. As a result, these young people often find themselves homeless, incarcerated, or forced onto public assistance.

An adequate aftercare program must: be accessible and available to all youth; provide for sufficient planning prior to discharge from the system; involve family members, social workers, and/or mentors; provide a range of services necessary for the transition to independence: case management, housing, employment services, education support, medical services (and health insurance), "world of work" component (e.g. money management, legal rights), support services and counseling, mentoring, positive peer support; and provide long-term follow-up and data collection (for at least one year).