The comparative costs and effects of four models to augment services for low-income families.

A pervasive challenge faced by Canadian health and social service providers is to promote health for low-income families in a proactive and costeffective manner. Families with low incomes experience an array of health and social problems that prevent access to available services, compromise their resilience, and lead to negative family outcomes; for some populations, linkage to the services they need can result in improved health and well-being while reducing long-term costs to the public (Browne et al., 1999, 2001; Oliver & Ebers, 1998; Osborn & Hagedoorn, 1997). However, little rigorous research has been conducted to examine the effects of different integration-of-service delivery models, such as (a) how low-income families use and benefit from the services, and (b) the long-term costs and benefits of the services for society. Families First Edmonton is seeking to determine the best way to deliver existing services to low-income families.