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Modeling the Performance of Welfare-to-Work Programs: The Effects of Program Management and Services, Economic Environment, and Client Characteristics
Publication Date: June 2001
Publisher(s): MDRC (Organization)
Author(s): Howard S. Bloom; Carolyn J. Hill; James A. Riccio
Funder(s): Pew Charitable Trusts; California. Dept. of Social Services; Florida. Dept. of Health and Rehabilitative Services
Funder(s): Pew Charitable Trusts; California. Dept. of Social Services; Florida. Dept. of Health and Rehabilitative Services
Topic: Social conditions (Public welfare and social services)
Keywords: Welfare Policy
Type: Report
Coverage: United States
Abstract:
This paper addresses a question of direct relevance to welfare administrators and program operators: What management practices, program strategies, and local conditions are key to running effective welfare-to-work programs? Based on rigorous studies of the impacts and implementation of programs operating in 59 sites, the paper finds that clients' two-year earnings increase more when programs emphasize employment, provide personalized attention, and do not allow staff caseloads to become large. The findings also indicate that programs that operate in areas where unemployment is high have a smaller impact on short-term earnings than programs in other areas.