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Subgroups
This study is a randomized controlled trial. The Minority Female Single Parent (MFSP) evaluation took place in four community-based organizations across the United States. This review focuses on the program operated by the CET in San Jose, CA, and surrounding areas. Between November 1984 and December 1987, the study randomly assigned low-income, minority single mothers to the intervention group—in which study members were offered the opportunity to participate in the program—or to the comparison group—in which study members were ineligible to participate in the MFSP program but could seek other training programs or support services. Participants did not need to be collecting welfare (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) payments in order to be eligible. The CET randomized sample included 962 participants—812 with 12-month follow-up outcome data, 769 with 30-month follow-up data, and 738 with 60-month follow-up data. The timing of the surveys is with respect to sample members’ application to receive services. Information on the time between application and random assignment or service receipt is not available.
Enrollment occurred between 1984 and 1987. Funding for the program was through 1988.
The Rockefeller Foundation supported the evaluation.
Participants in the 60-month follow-up sample were women who were, on average, 28 to 29 years old at baseline. Thirteen percent of intervention group members and 17 percent of comparison group members were African American; about 83 percent of intervention group members and 76 percent of comparison group members were Hispanic. On average, the highest grade completed by both groups was 10th grade. At baseline, 34 percent of intervention group members and 32 percent of comparison group members had earned a high school diploma, and 7 percent of intervention group members and 11 percent of comparison group members had obtained a GED. Sixty-seven percent of intervention group members and 71 percent of comparison group members reported ever having received public assistance at baseline.
Center for Employment Training
The CET had been providing employment training services throughout California and other western U.S. states since 1968. The organization had always emphasized providing a supportive environment and providing employment skills training regardless of prior skill or academic levels. This program was largely similar to services previously offered by the organization.
The MFSP program implemented by the CET provided occupational skills training that focused on the practical skills clients would need to meet the employment demands of the local labor market. In the CET’s integrated model, all participants received job skills training regardless of their prior level of education and had access to supplemental instruction that focused on basic educational skills. The CET provided a variety of different services to assist participants who were pursuing employment. At the San Jose location that served three-quarters of the participants, the CET established a Montessori child care center for participants in the training program.
Comparison group participants were able to obtain services available in the community but did not receive specific referrals or support from the CET for 30 months.
None.
Service length varied depending on participant needs, but training in most skills lasted for four to nine months.
The Rockefeller Foundation; matching funds from other sources including the Job Training Partnership Act, a CET contract to train farm workers, and Pell Grants.
The study took place at the CET centers across the greater San Jose, CA, region. About three-quarters of the participants enrolled in the CET center in San Jose. The remainder enrolled in smaller centers in Gilroy, Watsonville, Salinas, and Oakland.
Mental health, Family formation, Job characteristics