TransitionsSF had the largest effects on long-term annual earnings (an average of $1,736 per year). TransitionsSF supported unemployed and underemployed noncustodial parents in finding and maintaining work with the goal of improving participants’ employment outcomes and ability to pay for child support.
TransitionsSF had the largest effects on long-term employment (an average of 6 percentage points). TransitionsSF supported unemployed and underemployed noncustodial parents in finding and maintaining work with the goal of improving participants’ employment outcomes and ability to pay for child support.
Parent Success Initiative (PSI) had the largest effects on long-term benefit receipt (decreasing the amount of public benefits received by $503 per year). PSI provided noncustodial parents with low incomes support in finding work with the goal of improving participants’ employment skills and ability to pay child support.
Decrease long-term benefit receipt
Good Transitions had the largest effects on education and training (increasing the attainment of a degree or credential by an average of 15 percentage points). Good Transitions served noncustodial parents with low income by providing subsidized employment combined with case management and training to help them connect to stable employment.
PFS was one of the demonstration projects made possible by Section 1115 waivers to the rules in effect at the time for the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. These Section 1115 waivers allowed states to test new approaches to advance the objectives of the AFDC program.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) partnered with the Texas Workforce Commission and Title IV-D court (involving a state child support enforcement agency) to administer the program with the goal of helping noncustodial parents become more responsible parents and preventing them from falling behind on child support payments. The program began with a workforce orientation, job readiness services, and job search activities. Noncustodial parents pursuing employment were also eligible for supportive services, including transportation assistance.
The program had three main goals: (1) to increase the employment and earnings of unemployed or underemployed noncustodial parents, (2) to increase child support payment, and (3) to support and improve parenting behavior.
