Absence of conflict of interest.
Citation
Highlights
- The study’s objective was to examine the implementation of the Supporting Families Through Work, a transitional jobs program for noncustodial parents in Milwaukee, WI.
- The study authors conducted an implementation evaluation using data collected through staff interviews and staff reports of time spent on program activities.
- The program components were implemented as intended including identifying employers for transitional job placements, assistance with child support, and case management services. The transitional job placements included a variety of private employers including for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
- The data used in the implementation study included both qualitative and quantitative data collection. However, the data collection methods and analysis are not fully discussed.
- The companion impact study was reviewed by CLEAR in June 2022.
Intervention Examined
Supporting Families Through Work
Features of the Intervention
- Type of organization: Non-profit organization
- Location/setting: Milwaukee, WI
- Population served and scale: Adults, unemployed, parents; 403 participants
- Industry Focus: not included
- Intervention activities: Transitional employment, case management, training services
- Organizational Partnerships: Non-profit employers, private sector employers
- Cost: Not included
- Fidelity: Not included
The U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services selected seven organizations to operate transitional job programs for low-income noncustodial parents or formerly incarcerated individuals. The program in Milwaukee, WI was operated by the YWCA of Southeast Wisconsin in partnership with private employers. The program served noncustodial parents who owed child support but were unemployed and not able to pay. Individuals participated in a job readiness workshop and then were placed in private-sector transitional jobs. The program supplemented wages at these jobs for 6-months and provided individuals with child support assistance, employment services and case management.
Features of the Study
The program was implemented at the YWCA in Milwaukee County, WI. The study used both qualitative and quantitative data to address research questions. The authors collected qualitative data during multiple site visits during which they conducted semi-structured interviews with program administrators and program staff, focus groups of program participants and review of program materials. The implementation study also included quantitative data that the authors collected through a management information system database to track information on client participation in program activities. Authors also gathered data through program staff and participant questionnaires. No information was provided on analysis methods.
Findings
Intervention activities/services
- The study found the YWCA implemented program components as intended including identifying employers for transitional job placements and providing case management services and assistance with child support.
- The study found the transitional job placements included a variety of employers including for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The program included enhancements to a standard transitional jobs program like child support assistance, an earnings supplement, and occupational skills training.
- The study found the occupational-skills training enhancement and earnings supplements were only provided to a small number of participants.
- The study found a majority (92%) of program participants received at least one program service.
Implementation challenges and solutions
- The study found the program challenges included recruitment of participants and staff turnover which may have affected service delivery.
- The study found less than 66% of participants received transitional jobs and there was a substantial delay in job placement.
- The study found job development services to help participants find unsubsidized jobs were not provided consistently to program participants.
Considerations for Interpreting the Findings
The data collection methods and analysis were not fully discussed. The study authors did not provide a detailed description of the observations made during site visits or the qualitative interview data that were analyzed.