CAP was one of the demonstration projects made possible by Section 1115 waivers to the rules in effect at the time for the AFDC program. These Section 1115 waivers allowed states to test new approaches to advance the objectives of the AFDC program.

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.

Sector-focused career centers also aimed to alter the way that employers recruit, pay, and promote workers. Local employers in each industry helped design the centers to ensure that they addressed the specific skills workers need in that sector. The Center for Economic Opportunity operated three sector-focused career centers: Workforce1 Transportation Career Center, Workforce1 Manufacturing Career Center, and Workforce1 Healthcare Career Center, each through partnerships with multiple community employers.

As part of the program, clinically oriented staff, such as psychologists or social workers, conducted a two- to three-hour-long substance use assessment to determine the appropriate type of substance use disorder treatment and whether the client was ready to participate in employment-related services. The evaluator assigned a case manager to the client and referred clients to appropriate substance use disorder treatment and other services that addressed clients’ barriers to employment.