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Subgroups
SWIM served individuals applying for or receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) benefits in two income maintenance offices in San Diego County, CA. Two groups were required to participate in SWIM: single heads of household with children age 6 or older (called the AFDC-Family Group or AFDC-FG) and case heads of two-parent households (called the AFDC-Unemployed Parent Group or AFDC-U). Required enrollees were identified in three ways: (1) the income maintenance office assessed whether AFDC applicants were eligible for SWIM and scheduled these individuals for an enrollment interview at the SWIM office; (2) during regular case status reviews, AFDC recipients who had become eligible for SWIM were referred to the program; and (3) AFDC recipients who were eligible for SWIM when the SWIM demonstration began were enrolled during the first year of the demonstration. From July 1985 to June 1986, eligible individuals were randomly assigned to intervention or comparison groups. This review examines impacts for individuals in the AFDC-FG group; a separate review examines impacts for individuals in the AFDC-U group.
Random assignment occurred from July 1985 to June 1986. Sample members were followed until September 1991.
This five-year study was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Initial funding for the study was also provided by the California State Department of Social Services.
The AFDC-FG sample consisted of case heads of single-parent households, who were mostly female. The majority of the AFDC-FG sample had no prior year earnings (61 percent) and had their own AFDC case for more than two years (69 percent). Most had a high school diploma (56 percent). The racial and ethnic composition of the AFDC-FG sample was 42 percent Black or African American, not Hispanic; 27 percent White, not Hispanic; 25 percent Hispanic or Latino of any race; and 5 percent of another racial or ethnic group.
AFDC offices in San Diego County, CA
SWIM was a demonstration program that operated from July 1985 to September 1987.
People assigned to the intervention group were subject to the requirements of SWIM in order to receive AFDC. Under this model, AFDC recipients were required to participate in a sequence of activities, unless they were already employed at least 20 hours per week in a qualifying education and training activity or were an undocumented parent of a U.S. citizen. The fixed sequence of activities began with a two-week job-search workshop, then three months of unpaid work experience (typically 20 to 30 hours per week) with concurrent biweekly job club sessions, and finally assessments to refer participants to outside education or training programs, if necessary. Part-time employment could substitute for some SWIM activities. If, at any point in the sequence, individuals found employment or left the AFDC program, they were not required to complete the sequence. Starting in September 1987, individuals in the intervention group became subject to requirements of the Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) program, which replaced SWIM but was largely similar.
Individuals assigned to the comparison group did not receive any SWIM services and were not subject to SWIM requirements but could enroll in community education and training programs on their own. Starting in July 1988, individuals in the intervention group became subject to the GAIN program, which replaced SWIM but was largely similar.
Participation in SWIM was mandatory, and nonparticipation could result in a reduction of benefits.
Services were available for the two years the program operated (July 1985 to September 1987).
AFDC, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and California State Department of Social Services
SWIM took place in two AFDC offices in San Diego County, CA.
None
Please add the missing information to the study manuscript: location and publisher.