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Andrea Hetling

Professor and Associate Director, John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Chapter Leader: New Jersey-Philadelphia SSN
Areas of Expertise:

Connect with Andrea

(848) 932-2963
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About Andrea

Hetling’s research agenda focuses on the implementation and efficacy of U.S. social welfare policies. She is particularly interested in the impact of programs and policy on the economic well-being of vulnerable populations. Her projects focus on families and women living in poverty and on survivors of intimate partner violence. Hetling works with a number of civic organizations; sharing her research and expertise and supporting their efforts to improve social service programs. She is a Research Academy member of the National Association of Welfare and Research Statistics and a Research Affiliate of the National Poverty Center.

Contributions | No Jargon Podcast | In the News | Publications

Contributions

Why Domestic Violence Survivors Need Long-Term Housing Adapted to their Special Needs

    Hilary Botein
Key Findings Brief,

How State Welfare Rules Affect Low-Income Single Mothers without Cash Incomes

Key Findings Brief,

How Low-Income People React to Online Applications for Welfare Benefits

Key Findings Brief,

In the News

Opinion: "Higher Wage will Make NJ’s Low-Income Households Safer, Healthier," Andrea Hetling (with Debra Lancaster), The North Jersey Record, January 25, 2019.
Quoted by Katia Oltmann in "Rutgers Faculty Evaluates Victim Assistance Program," Daily Targum, February 10, 2015.

Publications

"A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Financial Literacy Curriculum for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence" (with Judy L. Postmus and Cecilia Kaltz). Journal of Family and Economic Issues 37, no. 4 (2016): 672-685.

Uses an experimental design to evaluate the impact of a financial literacy curriculum on self-reported financial knowledge and behaviors of survivors of intimate partner violence. Indicates a strong effect of the curriculum on both outcomes and supports expansion of similar programs.

"What is Economic Self-Sufficiency? Validating a Measurement Scale for Policy, Practice, and Research" (with Gretchen L. Hoge and Judy L. Postmus). Journal of Poverty 20, no. 2 (2016): 214-235.

Revisits a scale that was designed in 1993 and tests its validity with a sample of low-income survivors of intimate partner violence. Discusses how the resulting Scale of Economic Self-Sufficiency–14 (SESS-14) relates to policy, practice, and research.

"The Relationship between State Welfare Rules and Economic Disconnection among Low-Income Single Mothers" (with Jinwoo Kwon and Correne Saunders). Social Service Review 89, no. 4 (2015): 653-685.

Indicates that state rules matter and should be considered as a potential mechanism to change the dynamics of economic disconnection. Finds that women in states with lifetime limits of less than 60 months are more likely to be disconnected. Argues that more generous welfare benefits are associated with a lesser risk of disconnection, while diversion programs are associated with a greater risk of disconnection compared to welfare receipt

"Measuring Financial Strain in the Lives of Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence" (with Amanda M. Stylianou and Judy L. Postmus). Journal of Interpersonal Violence 30, no. 6 (2015): 1046-1064.

Evaluates the factor structure, reliability, and validity of using the Financial Strain Survey (FSS) with IPV survivors. Indicates that the FSS is a reliable instrument for use with IPV survivors and discusses the FSS as a practical tool for both practice and research with this population.

"‘We Live in a Technological Era Whether You Like It or Not’: Client Perspectives and Online Welfare Applications" (with Stevie Watson and Meghan Horgan). Administration & Society 46, no. 5 (2014): 519-547.

Examines how potential clients view an online application and whether or not the quality of the technology affects perceptions. Utilizes focus groups to assess the perceived benefits and barriers to using online applications.