Your Voice, Their Future: How a North Carolina Survey Empowers Family Change

GREENSBORO, NC – February 02, 2026 – The Institute for Family, a program of the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, has officially launched its 2026 Family Insight Survey, extending an open invitation to all state residents to share their perspectives on the realities of family life. This annual initiative serves as a critical barometer for the well-being of communities, seeking to understand how North Carolinians are navigating an increasingly complex landscape of economic pressures, childcare shortages, and evolving community supports.

Open through February 28, 2026, the survey provides a direct channel for families and community members to influence the data and conversations that shape public policy and local programs. The insights gathered are intended to create a more responsive and supportive environment for every child and family in the state.

A Direct Line from Residents to Leaders

At its core, the Family Insight Survey is designed to democratize data collection. With fewer than 10 questions, the survey is intentionally brief and accessible, encouraging wide participation from every corner of North Carolina. The initiative operates on the principle that the most valuable expertise on family life comes from families themselves.

“At a time when North Carolinians are navigating economic pressure, childcare challenges, and changing community supports, listening matters more than ever,” said Claudia Perry, Director of the Institute for Family, in a statement. “This survey gives families and community members a direct way to shape the data, conversations, and solutions that influence how systems show up for them.”

Since its pilot in 2023, the survey has grown into a significant tool for civic engagement. By encouraging participants to share the survey within their own networks, the Institute aims to capture a truly representative snapshot of the diverse experiences across the state. This grassroots approach ensures that the voices of rural residents, urban families, and everyone in between are included in a statewide dialogue that has historically been dominated by top-down analysis.

From Survey Responses to Statewide Solutions

The true impact of the survey is realized when individual responses are transformed into collective action. The findings are not destined for a dusty shelf; instead, they become the foundation of the Institute for Family’s public-facing Family Insight Dashboard. This innovative digital resource combines the annual survey results with statewide data and personal stories from the organization's "Shine On Initiative."

The dashboard is a powerful county-level tool used by community leaders, non-profit organizations, advocates, and policymakers to gain a nuanced understanding of local needs. It organizes insights into six key themes essential for families to thrive: work and wages, housing, nutrition, healthcare, and community connection. This framework allows stakeholders to move beyond anecdotes and develop targeted, data-informed strategies.

Insights from previous surveys have already helped elevate family voices in critical conversations around access to support services and have guided research priorities for various organizations. The data has been instrumental in shaping community discussions and fostering storytelling that reflects the authentic lived experiences of North Carolinians, creating a catalyst for change that is grounded in reality, not just theory.

Confronting the Realities of Family Life

The survey’s focus on economic pressure and childcare is no accident. Independent research corroborates that these are among the most significant hurdles facing families in the state. Studies on economic mobility have previously highlighted challenges within major North Carolina metro areas, and while progress has been made, ensuring financial stability for all families remains a critical goal. The persistent struggle to find and afford quality childcare is a constant theme in discussions about workforce participation and family well-being.

Furthermore, the survey's inquiry into community supports aligns with broader national trends. A 2025 nationwide education survey revealed widespread public concern over student mental health and a call for more resources to help students struggling with poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity. By asking North Carolinians directly about their experiences with community connection, the Family Insight Survey provides state-specific data on these pervasive issues, helping to identify gaps and highlight opportunities for growth.

A Century of Service, A Modern Vision for Families

The Family Insight Survey is a key initiative within the larger mission of its parent organizations. The Institute for Family is an innovative arm of the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina (CHS), a trusted institution with over 120 years of experience promoting the right of every child to a safe, permanent, and loving family.

While CHS provides essential direct services like adoption, foster care, and family preservation, the Institute for Family works to transform the broader systems that impact family well-being. Beyond the survey, the Institute’s work includes its “Light Lab,” which publishes in-depth analyses on topics ranging from the affordable housing crisis to poverty versus neglect. It also offers a training center and produces resources like the “Seen Out Loud Podcast” to foster empathy and understanding.

This comprehensive approach demonstrates a long-term vision that extends beyond immediate relief. By grounding its advocacy in listening to families, the Institute for Family leverages its deep community roots and national partnerships to inspire policies and practices that truly value and support families as the foundation for healthy, thriving communities across North Carolina.