The Padua Pilot aimed to promote self-sufficiency among families with low incomes who had an adult willing and able to work, offering individualized and holistic case management services, which included job training, housing assistance, budgeting, financial literacy, and coaching for overall well-being. The Padua Pilot had five key components to deliver intensive case management services: detailed assessment of goals, skills, and barriers to success; a strengths-based individualized service plan; using two-person teams of a case manager and case worker; case management services that include coaching, mentoring, direct services, and referrals; and providing flexible financial assistance to address obstacles.
Services were provided for up to 24 months, with the average participant spending 16 months in the program. The initial assessment was typically completed within 45 days of enrollment. The master’s level case manager and bachelor’s level case worker teams had caseloads of 18 to 24 participants. After the initial assessment process, case management meetings occurred at least bi-weekly.
Eligible participants had to have low family income (approximately 185 percent of federal poverty line), reside in Tarrant County, TX, and have at least one adult in the household who demonstrated they were willing and able to work. The study was conducted in Fort Worth, TX.
The Padua Pilot aimed to promote self-sufficiency among families with low incomes who had an adult willing and able to work, offering individualized and holistic case management services, which included job training, housing assistance, budgeting, financial literacy, and coaching for overall well-being.