The intervention included enhanced behavioral, medical, and dental services that augmented participants’ standard county health benefits. Services included treatment for chemical dependence, psychological and neuropsychological assessments, and prescription medications above the three-per-month Medicaid limit. The intervention eliminated co-payments for prescription drugs and outpatient services and improved participants’ access to mental health services.

The Empowering Families program offered couples eight workshops that combined the Family Wellness curriculum on healthy marriage and relationship education with job assistance and financial literacy services. Career counselors provided services to promote job readiness, such as resume and interview training, and job placement assistance. Financial coaches also helped couples identify financial goals and create a plan to reach those goals.. The program provided services to parenting couples with low income.

To continue to receive benefits, TANF participants were required to engage in employment-related activities for 32 hours per week. Program staff allowed TANF participants in the Training Focused intervention to decrease work hours per week to zero hours to pursue education and training activities, with the philosophy that eliminating the requirement to engage in work would allow participants to access the most useful education and training programs.

PASS service providers contacted former TANF participants and provided customized post-employment services and supportive services payments based on clients’ needs to help participants keep their jobs and obtain better jobs. PASS service providers included staff at three community-based organizations (CBOs), a community college, and a Department of Public Social Services office.

The program includes a comprehensive set of services and resources to advance participants’ education and employment.

The program provided information about and simplified access to financial work supports, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and child care subsidies. Retention and advancement services included career coaching and access to training and education to stabilize participants’ employment and help them find better-paying jobs. The program helped participants secure funding for training and education costs through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and other training funds.