Bridging research and policy: The development of FamILens for family impact analysis in Italy

This article builds on the 2013 publication by Bogenschneider et al., “The Family Impact Lens: A Family-Focused, Evidence-Informed Approach to Policy and Practice”, which emphasises the shift from an individual-focused approach to a family-centered one in policymaking. This article outlines the adaptation process carried out by a research group at the Family Studies and Research University Centre of the Catholic University of Milan, detailing how the original US framework was modified to fit Italy’s unique cultural, socio-economic, and policy contexts. The FamILens includes principles, starters, and checklists for a thorough family impact analysis. It presents the complete FamILens toolkit, offering practical guidance for conducting family impact assessments. This adaptation has resulted in a robust tool that promotes family well-being by ensuring that policies and practices are evaluated for their impact on family dynamics, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of social policies.