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Random assignment occurred between May 31, 2002, and February 26, 2003. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and applicants were ineligible for the study if someone in their family was already randomly assigned or if they were noncitizens, did not speak English, received Supplemental Security Income, or were incapacitated. The random assignment procedure differed for TANF recipients and applicants. TANF recipients were identified for the study if they had received TANF previously or had lost a job in the prior two years and needed a TANF eligibility redetermination. Recipients deemed eligible for the study and eligible for continued TANF receipt were given an appointment for random assignment and, if they arrived at that appointment, were randomly assigned. TANF applicants were required to first attend an assessment that helped them identify employment barriers and search for employment for 45 days. Those who did not find a job after 45 days were screened for eligibility for TANF receipt and, if eligible for the study, were randomly assigned. In total, 634 individuals were randomly assigned from May 2002 to February 2003.
Random assignment began in May 2002 and concluded in February 2003. Two years of follow-up data are available for all participants.
The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation in ACF at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funded the study, with support from the U.S. Department of Labor.
The study examined only single parents eligible to receive TANF. More than 95 percent of sample members were female, and 43 percent were White, 39 percent were Black, and 7 percent were Hispanic. The average age was 30. About one-third (34 percent) lacked a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Fifty-four percent had worked in the year before random assignment, and 62 percent had worked fewer than 12 months in the past three years.
Oregon TANF, Mount Hood Community College, and Portland Community College
The Career Builders program grew out of the Portland TANF program, Steps to Success.
The Career Builders program aimed to take a holistic approach to assisting individuals in finding and maintaining employment. Each participant was assigned a case manager, an employment specialist, a mental health specialist, and a community resource expert to help with these goals. In addition, the program began with a two-week, daily class designed to help individuals understand why they had not succeeded previously in the labor market, including extensive screening to identify barriers to employment and to identify individuals' strengths and interests. The program provided direct referrals to education and training programs and offered peer support classes to help participants establish a resource network. Participants were also intended to meet individually with an employment specialist to develop a long-term career plan and to discuss issues that arose once they found employment. However, owing to lack of funds and support from administrators and some staff, post-employment services were not implemented.
Participants in the comparison group received standard TANF services, including case management, formulation of a preemployment development plan, and minimal follow-up after obtaining employment.
Participation in the Career Builders program was mandatory.
Not specified.
Oregon TANF
The study took place in Portland, OR.
None