The Provision Of Education And Other Services In State Welfare To Work Programs PDF Download

The first phase of a study of state welfare-to work programs in 1988 consisted of a survey mailed to the states. Results provide practical information on the operational experience of state welfare-to-work programs, and at the national level, enhance both policy development and implementation activities, especially in conjunction with the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS). The study showed that state efforts to promote economic self-sufficiency among welfare recipients have provided both the basis for welfare reform and a valuable lesson on program implementation. The study also revealed that much more needs to be done, particularly in meeting new federal participation requirements and in improving data tracking systems for state and national monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, the study found that most states have created networks involving agencies other than the state welfare agency to provide services to welfare-to-work participants. It also found that most welfare recipients are in need of educational services. Most states have not targeted services to specific groups beyond those required to participate in the welfare-to-work program. The study concluded that many states will have to expand the services included in their welfare-to-work programs to meet the JOBS service requirements, and some states will have to increase substantially the amount of state dollars allocated to the program. (KC)