What is the Survey of Parents and Families?
The Survey of Parents and Families (SPF) is the longest-running and only contemporary U.S. birth cohort study of young adults based on a national sample. With 25 years of data, it is a key part of the country’s research infrastructure. SPF follows children from birth through young adulthood, enabling researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to understand the impacts of family structure, education, employment, income, health, housing, and resource sharing on human development.
The Survey of Parents and Families serves as a vital public resource, with more than 9,600 researchers who have utilized SPF data to generate insights that inform the research agendas, public policy, and social programs. We have strong safeguards to protect your privacy. (More details can be found here)
Why participate?
Your participation matters.
By participating in the study, you contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges and strengths that shape children and families over time. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or young adult who’s grown up with the study, your continued involvement helps researchers, policymakers, and communities develop better programs, policies, and services that support real families like yours.
Here’s why your participation is important:
- You’re making a difference. Every interview, survey, or check-in provides valuable insights that help improve things like education, health care, and social services for families across the country.
- It’s easy and flexible. We work around your schedule and offer multiple ways to participate, whether online or by phone.
- You’re part of something bigger. This is one of the longest-running studies of its kind. Your involvement helps build a historic dataset that will benefit future generations.
What has the study learned so far?
Read about recent findings here.
Do I have to answer questions?
It is your choice to participate. You do not have to complete the survey or be in any other part of the study. Nobody will punish you or your family if you decide not to complete the survey. You may also drop out of the study at any time. Occasionally, there may be a question that does not apply to you or may seem sensitive in nature. Although it is important for us to get answers to all the questions we ask, if you do not want to answer a particular question, you do not have to.
Will my answers be kept private?
Yes, your answers will be kept private. Visit our Data Security Pledge page to see more details on how we protect your privacy.
Do I receive anything for participating?
When you have completed the survey, you will receive a monetary token in appreciation of your time. You will be able to choose, from a few options (for example, types of gift cards), how you receive the token.
How do I update my contact information?
To provide current contact details please scan the QR code in the Newsletter we sent you in early August or call us toll free (833) 844 4825 or email: [email protected]