Evaluation of the SB 1041 Reforms to California's CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work Program: Findings Regarding the Initial Policy Implementation and Outcomes

Family-Focused Services for TANF Participants Facing Acute Barriers to Work: Pathways to Implementation

“…While managers endorsed the opportunity to provide enriched services through FS, it remains unclear whether frontline workers share similar perspectives, as related research identifying positive experiences with FS at the caseworker level has provided little detail (Davis et al, 2016). Additional research on caseworker experiences implementing holistic, family-focused TANF interventions like FS that examines the role that program aims play in shaping worker attitude and motivation would expand our understanding of frontline human services delivery beyond the extant literatures on street-level bureaucracy (Lipsky, 1980) and worker burnout (Maslach, 1982).…”

“…In addition, the FS program incorporates a two-generational service approach, funding services to children and other family members to address family issues that pose barriers to program compliance and employment. California enacted FS as part of a broader suite of CalWORKs reforms intended to more quickly identify and address potential barriers to program engagement and employment, including (1) an in-depth assessment tool, (2) an expanded subsidized employment program, and (3) greater flexibility for TANF participants to pursue education or address personal challenges such as substance abuse or mental health issues (CDSS, 2015; Davis et al, 2016).…”

“…FS implementation guidelines granted counties considerable flexibility in the design and implementation of FS, permitting them to (1) establish specific FS program eligibility criteria by defining “destabilizing crises,” (2) determine the supportive services to be provided through FS, and (3) consider a variety of agency structure and staffing models to provide enhanced FS services (CDSS, 2014). A statewide evaluation provides some evidence of successful FS implementation, including positive perceptions among program administrators of program aims, design, and implementation (Davis et al, 2016). However, Davis et al focused primarily on other CalWORKs reforms.…”