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This study is a randomized controlled trial. To be eligible for random assignment, people had to be (1) employed and (2) ineligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in the current month but eligible in the previous month. The service provider and the evaluator limited the number of people randomly assigned to a specific PASS provider to no more than 20 people per month per full-time case manager and random assignment ratios were determined by case manager staffing levels for each provider. If too many cases were available for random assignment, then the excess cases were excluded from the study. Evaluators randomly assigned a total of 3,226 people. Impacts among people who were randomly assigned and in a two-parent family (N = 456) were estimated separately and are reported elsewhere on this site; this review focuses on the 2,770 single parents. The study included follow-up surveys at 12 and 42 months after random assignment. For the 12-month survey sample, the researchers first identified sample members who met inclusion criteria (age 18 or older, single parent, fluent in English or Spanish, randomly assigned in the Rancho Mirage service area, and randomly assigned from October to December 2002). From the 605 sample members who met these criteria, researchers randomly selected 300 to participate in the survey. For the 42-month survey sample, the researchers first identified sample members who met the inclusion criteria (age 18 or older, single parent, and fluent in English or Spanish). From the 1,957 sample members who met these criteria, researchers then randomly selected 1,310 to participate in the survey.
Random assignment began in July 2002 and ended in June 2003. Evaluators studied the program until 2007.
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.
To be eligible for random assignment, people needed to be (1) employed and (2) ineligible for TANF in the current month but eligible in the prior month. A total of 2,770 single-parent sample members enrolled in the study. Among these, 90 percent were female, and the average age was 31. Nearly half of the sample members were Hispanic. More than half of the sample members had a high school diploma, equivalent certificate, or a higher degree; and about half had earnings between $7 and $10 per hour. About 90 percent were employed at random assignment, and about 95 percent of the sample members were previous Aid to Families with Dependent Children or TANF recipients.
Riverside PASS services were delivered by four community-based organizations, one community college, and the county TANF agency.
The Riverside County Department of Public Social Services developed PASS in 2001.
PASS aimed to improve employment retention and career advancement among employed people who had recently left TANF. Clients randomly assigned to the intervention group were contacted by their local PASS service providers, who then provided post-employment services and supportive service payments based on clients' needs and to help clients both keep their jobs and obtain better jobs. Available services included case management, counseling and mentoring, reemployment activities (such as assistance with job search and resume preparation), workshops on credit and money management, referrals to training and education opportunities, supportive services (such as child care, transportation, books, equipment), and referrals to social services programs.
Members randomly assigned to the comparison group were not eligible for PASS but were eligible for other services and supports available in the community (including less intensive post-employment services).
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PASS provided services for up to 12 months.
California TANF program
Riverside County, CA.
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