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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
Areas of Expertise:

About Andrea

Hetling's research focuses on the implementation of public policies designed to reduce economic and social inequities and build family financial stability among vulnerable populations, including families living in long-term poverty and survivors of intimate partner violence. Hetling conducts multi-methods research on US social policies with a strong focus on means-tested, human service, and income support programs. Hetling has published numerous academic articles and book chapters as well as reports for practitioners and policymakers. Before getting her Ph.D., Hetling worked at a domestic violence agency on advocacy and development issues.

In the News

"Higher Wage will Make NJ’s Low-Income Households Safer, Healthier," Andrea Hetling (with Debra Lancaster), The North Jersey Record, January 25, 2019.
Andrea Hetling quoted on teaching financial management to domestic survivors by Katia Oltmann, "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.

"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.

"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

"‘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.