This research brief is one of six originally commissioned by FCSS in 2009 and updated in 2013 to include advances in research. These research briefs are not intended to serve as program development toolkits. The purpose of the briefs is to provide guidance from the research, where it exists, to funders and organizations working to: 1/ increase social inclusion among vulnerable Calgarians by increasing positive social ties, improving family functioning or parenting skills, improving adults’ personal capacity and individual and family economic self-sufficiency, and/or improving positive child and youth development outcomes; 2/ increase neighbourhood capacity and social and individual capital in focus neighbourhoods.