LA’s HOPE participants received temporary housing and help securing rental assistance and more permanent housing. Mental health services were also available. Once housed, LA’s HOPE case managers connected participants to a workforce development center; the case manager, workforce development staff, and mental health agency staff helped the participant prepare for employment.

Child support and workforce staff were co-located and communicated regularly to quickly connect noncustodial parents to employment services and to modify child support orders. These staff also worked closely with the court system to require noncustodial parents to participate in Parents to Work, review participation, and impose incentives and sanctions when appropriate.

Course participants learned job search and basic work skills, identified promising careers, and created a career development strategy. As part of the course, youth met weekly with the program’s employment coordinator to discuss entry-level opportunities in the individual’s field of interest. After job placement, Hire Up coordinators continued to support the former program member and provided support to the employer to ensure job retention after job placement.