HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 08052003 - SD.13 SD.13
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on August 5, 2003, by the following vete:
AYES: Supervisors Gioia, Uilkema, Greenberg, Glover and DeSaulnier
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: Accept report providing an update on the
CalWORKsMel{fare to Work Program
RELISTED: September 9, 2003
i hereby certify that this is a true and correct
copy of an action taken and entered on the
minutes of the Board of supervisors on the
date shown.
Attested: August 5, 2003
Jahn sweeten, Clerk of the Board
Of Supervisors and County Administrator
By
-' Deputy Clerk
FHS # 19 Contra
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FROM: FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE blF Costa
DATE: AUGUST 5, 2003 'x; ._ County U
SUBJECT: CALWORKS/WELFARE TO WORK PROGRAM REPORT
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
Recommendation:
ACCEPT the attached report on the update of the CaIWORKs/Welfare to Work Program.
Fiscal impact:
None
Backrtround:
Since the implementation of the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) program in Contra Costa
County in March 1998, the Employment and Human Services Department Workforce Services
Bureau has been submitting annual status reports on the operation of the California Work
Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CaIWORKs) program, which is California's TANF program.
Declining caseloads and challenges in serving "multi-barriered"clients have been consistent themes
in previous reports. This report reflects the first increase, although slight, in the average monthly
CaIWORKs caseload. The report also reflects the first clients who have reached their 60-month
time limit for aid.
The report is divided in to three sections. The first part describes the primary CaIWORKs programs
and services, including caseload statistics for the last year. The second part provides an overview
of specific accomplishments and achievements in the CaWORKs program and the One-stop
Centers operated under the Workforce Investment Act(WIA)with the third section describing
upcoming challenges in the current year.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNAT
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
FEDERAL D. GLOVER JOHN GIOIA
ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVE AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
UNANIMOUS (ABSENT ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
AYES: NOES: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN,
ABSENT: ABSTAIN-.-
ATTESTED
BSTAIN: ATTESTED
JOHN SWEETEN,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
Contact Peron: Dorothy Sansoe(5-1009) SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
CC: CAO
EHSD
BY: DEPUTY
Contra costd Collin
Empiovitient Humall Services
REPORT
TO THE
FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CaIWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
JULY 2003
Employment&Human Services Department
CaIWORKs/Welfare-To-Werk Update
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION..................................I..................................................................................................................
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS AND CASELOAD ..............................................................................................4
CAiWORKs TANF(TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE To NEEDY FAmmEs)..............«........................................4
+ CALWORKs/WELFARE-TO-WORK,..... ...._......... ..............___................ 8
+ CALWORKs CHILD CARE BLOCK GRANT..... ........ ................ ............ ........... ......... ........... 9
+ CAL-LEARN.............___..... ..........____..... ... ..........................___.................. ..............10
+ CONE-STOP BUSINESS AND CAREER CENTERS.......... ..........__..............-.......__............__....-...........I I
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/ACHIEVEMENTS.....................................................................................13
♦ HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS........ ..............._...................................... ..............-................. .......13
♦ TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AND PROGRAMS.,............___.......... ......................_........ ................. ...16
+ DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES -.... ................ ....... ........____...................... .................__...... _18
4 CLIENT SERVICE SUCCESS AT THE ONE-STOP BUSINESS AND CAREER CENTERS...................................»..19
+ ONE-STOP BUSINESS AND CAREER CENTER SERVICES To EMPLOYERS....................................................21
+ LEARNING DISABILITIES SCREENING.......... ..........................___..................__.......... .......__22
+ PROJECT CLEAN SLATE..... ....... ..... ....__............................... ......_.__... ......23
+ WELFARE-TO-WORK OUTREACH SERVICES...............__........._...........___........___....... ..................23
+ COMPLETED TIME ON AID AND CHILD SUPPORT Buy BACK REVIEWS......................................................24
IMPLEMENTED Ei,Fmomc BENEFIT TRANSFER(EBT)........_............_......................__ ......... .......25
♦ SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH(SANIHWORKS)........__.... ..........._... ........ .............-......Z
+ JOB PLACEMENTS...... ............_...............-........-... ......-..._................-... ...... .......................__........25
+ AVERAGE HOURLY WAGE AND AVERAGE WEEKLY NUMBER OF HOURS AT WORK..............................27
+ WORK PARrICIPATION RATE(WPR)_............. .....__...__......... ............ ....... ......._.................._28
+ C-A-LWORKs CASES WITH EARNINGS.......... ..........._..........-......._.........___.....__............_... ......_28
♦ GRANT SAVINGS... .........-....... ............._........ .......... ......... .............29
Exas DUE To EMPLOYMENT........................____...............__........ -.................... ...._.......30
♦ DIVERSION PAYMENTS......................................-.........__..... ........................ ......... ...... ..................30
TRACKING PARTICIPANTS WHO APPLY FOR CASH AID... ....____...................._........... ....._......_31
CRITICAL SERVICE DELIVERY ISSUES AND CHALLENGES..............................................................33
+ UNCERTAIN CALWORKs BUDGET, Loss OF FUNDING AND REDUCTION IN SERVICES...........................33
+ CALWORKs COST OF LIVING ADjusTmENT.........___............-...................-.....__......__.... ...... ...._34
+ TANF REAuTHowzATION........ ........................ ...............-................ ................. ...-...................34
+ TmING OUT CALWORKs Ai)uL:rs,............. ........__........... ..........__.... .................... ..........35
+ SERVING CLIENTS WITH DISABILITIES........... .......-................... .................___........................36
+ SERVICE DELIVERY AND STAFFING CHALLENGES ......... ........___...... .......____...........-...... .......36
♦ JOB DEVELOPMENT,JOB RETENTION AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT.........................................................37
+ QUARTERLY REPORTING AND PRosiEcnvE BUDGETING.............. .................._.._..... __....._37
+ CALWIN IMPLEMENTATION............____............................... ...........__..........__................ ..........38
+ WIA REAUTHORIZATION ACITVITU,',s AND RESPONSE TO A NEW ONE STOP OPERATOR REQUEST FOR
PROPOSAL(RFP)..... ........... ................__.......... ...... ......... ...... ...38
July 21,2003
Employment&Human Services Department
CaIWORKs/Welfare-ToVork Update
Tables and Charts
Table Breakdown of CoIWORKs Caseload as of May 7, 2003..............:..........5
Table 2 Change In CoiWORKs Caseload- Comparison with BASSC Counties
-.1111-11-........... ...-11-1-1-1-1-11.1 111-11"111-...... ..........-...... ............-......___...5
Table Comparison of Unemployment Rate with BASSC Counties.................6
Table Comparison of CoIWORKs Applications in BASSC Counties.....:....:.....7
Table 5 Comparison of Unemployment Rate, CaIWORKs Applications and
CoIWORKsCaseload....... .......... ............__...........................-..... ..............
Table 6 Comparison of Adults with a Welfare to Work Requirement with,
BASSCCounties,...........-...........___.......__.........-..........-........___...._""__'8
Table 7 Child Care Payments-EHSD Child Core Units-.--....... ........ ...___.... 10
Table 8 Stage 2 and Stage 3 Child Care Payments PACE and Child Care
Council for April 2003.,.......... .......... ....... ....... .......... ...-...... ....... ......- 10
Table 9 One-Stop Universal Customers and Usage ................. .........-.........- 19
Table 10 One-Stop Client Enrollments by Program. ............. 20
Table 11 WIA Performance Outcomes... .....-.......... ............-..... ....__...... 20
Table 12 Learning Disabilities Referrals........ ...-....... ...... .......:, 23
Table 13 Outreach Referrals... ........__.......-........ ......... ............ 24
Table 114 Top Four Reasons for Failing to Cooperate ........ 24
able 15 SAMHWORKS Referrals............ ........ ........ ......... ........ ....... 25
Table 16 Total Job Placements....... ......... ...... ___......-...-....-........ ....____ 26
Table 17 Average Hourly Wage, flours Worked, Monthly Income......___.....27
Table 18 Wage Ranges-.... ...___................. ......__..............28
Table 19 Cases with Earnings.................. ....... .............;__....--_:_ 28
Table 20 Length of Time Off Aid at Application -.-,-.....4........ ........_:__.......31
Table 21 Reasons for Applying for Aid,i.,......... ...__............ ..............t,...........__31
Table 22 Funding Sources Comparison for Prior and Current Fiscal Year,::...33
Chart I CaIWORKs Average Monthly Caseload by Calendar Year.......i........_4
Chart 2 Top Ten Welfare-to-Work Activities for April 2003........ .....-......... 9
Chart 3 Job Placements as a Percentage of the Total CoIWORKs WTW
Participants....... ........ ...............................___................. .................... 26
Chart 4 Earnings Reported and Grant Savings on CaIWORKs Cases, -- 29
Chart 5 Exits from Cash Aid Due to Employment..... .......... ............. .......30
Chart 6 Comparison of Primary Language of TOA Adults and Total
CaIWORKs Population....................... ....... ......... ...,.:.,,.....35
July 211,2CY33 2
Employment&Human Services Department
CaIWORKsfWelfareJo-Work Update
INTRODUCTION
This report outlines the accomplishments of the Department's Workforce Services
Bureau for the period of May 2002 through April 2003. Even through two downsizings
during last program year, our accomplishments continue to be a result of the
Department's line workers, supervisors, managers and support staff coming together
as a team to provide quality services,
Since the implementation of the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) program in
Contra Costa County in March of 1998, the Employment and Human Services
Department's Workforce Services Bureau has been submitting annual status reports
on our operation of the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids
(Co1W0RKs) program which is California's TANF program. Declining caseloads and
challenges in serving "multi-barriered" clients have been consistent themes In these
previous reports. However, this report reflects the first increase, albeit slight, in our
average monthly CalWORKs caseload, The report also reflects the first of our clients
who have reached their 60-month time limit for aid.
Currently the two major TANF Reauthorization bills H.R. 4 and S. 5 are still pending.
The Workforce Investment Act (MA) is also scheduled for reauthorization in this
Congressional session, The uncertainty of these significant pending legislation
coupled with the funding losses for the current program year pose significant
uncertainty for our Department and clients.
Substantial operational changes (which are discussed in the last section of this
report) are also scheduled for the current program year. In November 2003, we will
implement Quarterly Reporting and Prospective budgeting followed by CaIWIN
implementation in late 2004. Both of these implementations will radically change
how we do business.
This report in divided into three sections. The first part describes our primary
CalWORKs programs and services including caseload sizes for the last year. The
second part provides an overview of specific accomplishments and achievements
in our CalWORKs program and the One-Stop Centers operated under the Workforce
Investment Act (WIA), with the third section describing upcoming challenges in the
current year,
July 21,2003 3
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS AND CASELOAD _
♦ CoIWORKs TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families)
CaIWORKs TANF provides cash assistance to families with children who are
needy because of the absence, incapacity, unemployment, or death of one or
more parents. Time on aid is limited to 60 months.
As we had predicted in last year's report, the downward trend in the caseload
plateaued in calendar year 2002. And, as reflected in Chart 1, for the first time
since CalWORKs implementation our average monthly caseload through May
2003 reflects a slight increase from the some period one-year ago, However,
our caseload is still 45.2%lower than the January 1998 caseload,
Chart 1 CalWORKs Average Monthly Caseload by Calendar Year
14,000 -. __..._.""._....._.._._____----
!`.12,535
12.000 . __.___._ ____._____ __
1Q625
M000
8,907
t 7,8?
7,266 7,273
4,000 4
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Calendar Year
Source:Contra Costa County EHSD Discoverer Report CWP030 CalWORKs Case Nurnbers
As indicated in Table 1, the caseload for May 2003 was 7,364, With this report
Safety Net cases are included in the CalWORKs caseload. The Safety Net cases
are the timed out adult (TOA)cases in which the children only are aided,
July 21:2CC3 4
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
Table 1 Breakdown of CalWORKs Caseload as of May 7, 2003
Type of ♦ •'Ks Case Number Percentage
Welfare-to-Work
One Parent Family 4,011 54,50/o
Two Parent Family 459 6,20/o
Parent in Nome and not aided{Nan-citizen,fleeing 687 9.3%
felon, fraud sanctioned
Safety Net
One Parent Family 147 20k
Two Parent Family 33 .5%
Child Only(Non-WTW} 2,027 27,5%
TOTAL 7,364 100%
Source; Contra Costa County EHSD Discoverer Report CWP0W CalWC;RKs Case Numbers
From July 2002 through May 2005 a total of $37,849,093 in CalWORKs cash
payments was made on all CalWORKs cases. This equates to ars average
monthly payment of $490 per case, In addition to the approximate $38 million
cash payments made this past program year (through May), we paid out
approximately $11 million in ancillary services and over $2.5 million for
transportation services,
Table 2 below is provided for comparative purposes and reflects total caseload
numbers and changes from December 2001 through December 2002 for several
other California counties including the Bay Area Social Services Consortium
(BASSC)counties,
Table 2 Change In CaIWORfps Caseload-Comparison with BASSC Counties
December December2001 0:
Total statewide 487,397 456,024 -6.4%
San Mateo 1,473 1,767 20,0%
Santa Clara 10,092 11,276 11.7%
Marin 643 718 11.7%
Napa 354 395 11,6%
San Benito 457 502 9.80/0
Sonoma 2,072 2,159 4.2%
Santa Cruz 1,467 1,524 3,9U/o
Monterey 4,009 4,092 21%
San Francisco 5,938 5,870 -1.1%
Stanislaus 8,067 7,938 -1.6%
Alameda 15,894 15,583 -2.0%
Contra Costa 6,857 6,718 -2.0%
Solano 3,618 3,293 _9.0%
Source; California Depadment of Social services(CRSS)CW 237(Une 12)
July 21,2003 5
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWGRKs/Welfare-To-Werk Update
With the exception of Stanislaus County where the unemployment rate was
already In double digits, the unemployment rates for the BASSC counties
increased significantly from 2001 to 2002, Contra Costa's unemployment rate
continues to be slightly below the statewide rate.
Table 3 Comparison of Unemployment Rate with BASSC Counties
DecemberDecember
t t't
Total statewide 5,49'0 6,790 24.1%
Santa Clara 4.6010 8.4% 82,690
Santa Cruz 4.65/o 8.0% 739%
San Mateo 2,9% 5,0% 72.4%
Marin 2.5% 4.0% 60.090
Contra Costa 3.3% 5.2% 57.6%
Sonoma 3.00/0 4,5% 500/0
Alameda 4.60/6 6.8% 47.8%
San Francisco 5.2% 73% 40.4%
Solana 4,1% 5,5% 34.1%
Napa 33% 43% 30.3%
San Benito 8.4% 10.0% 19.0%
Monterey 9.4% 10.590 11.7%
Stanislous 10.3% 11.49'0 10.7%
Source:State of California,Employment Development Department website,i..abor Market
Information,on-line database,http://www.calmis.co.gov/htmlfIe/subject/lftable,h+m
While our average monthly caseload has slightly increased, our overall total
caseload numbers have reflected a downward trend since implementing
CaIWORKs and are now plateauing (as reflected In Chart 1), However, the
number of applications continue to accelerate, as has been the case in the last
several years. For calendar year 2001 there was a 13°1 increase in the number
of applications (4,855) taken from the preceding year. For calendar year 2002,
there was a 17% increase in the number of applications (5,707) taken over
calendar year 2001,
The number of applications taken in December 20072 was a 7.2% increase from
December 2001, with the caseload decreasing by 2%for the some period.
July 21,2003 6
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs,fWelfare-To-Work Update
Table 4 Comparison of ColWORKs Applicaflons in BASSC Counties
December- December
2001 2002
Total sk*w1de 34,126 37,183 9.0%
Santa Cruz 167 239 43.1%
Marin 52 66 2&Wo
Stanistaus 654 785 20.0%
San Benito 77 87 13,0%
San Mateo 301 334 11.01%
Monterey 775 857 10.6%
Sonoma 254 281 8.5%
Contra Costa 598 641 7.2%
Solano 433 463 6.Wo
Santa Clara 1,275 1,358 6.5%
Alameda 1,0328 1,0346 1.8%
Son Francisco 405 377 -6,9%
Napa 83 73 -12.0%
Source: Cailfornia Department of Social Services(CRSS)CW 237(Line 2)
With the dual increase in the unemployment rate and applications, we are
expecting to experience the beginning of an upward trend in our CaIWORKs
caseload, Although the overall caseload tread since CalWORKs implementation
has been downward, we believe the slight increase in May 2003 as well as the
overall plateauing of the caseload numbers forecasts the start of increasing
caseloads. We have been and will continue to review and examine the various
contributing factors to the trends in the caseload numbers.
The following chart is a composite of all three of the foregoing tables for
comparing Contra Costa with other'counties.
Table 8 Comparison of Unemployment bate, CalWORKs Applications and
ColWORKs Caseload
chaniqe Change in rR ,. in CalWORKs
in Unemployment Rate Applications Caseload
Tota(statewide 24.1% Total statewide 9.0% Total statewide -6.4%
Santa Clare, 82.6% Santa Cruz 43A% San Mateo 20.0111/o
Santa Graz 73.9% Marin 26.9% Santa Clara 11.7%
San Mateo 72.4% Stanislaus 20.0% Marin 11.7%
Marin 60.0% San Benito 13.0% Napa 11.6%
Contra Costas 57.6% San Mateo 11.0% San Benito 9.8%
Sonoma 50,0% Monterey 10.6% Sonoma 4,2%
Alameda 47.5% Sonora 8.5% Santa Cruz 3.9%
San Francisco 40.4% Contra Costas 7.2% Monterey 2A%
iuly 21,2CO3 7
Employment&Human Services Department
CaIWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
Change in COIWORKs
in Unemployment../.. Applications Caseload
Solan 34.1% Solano 6.9% San Francisca -1.1%
Napa 30.3% Santa Clara 6.5% Stanislaus -1.6%
San Benito 19.0% Alameda 1.8% Alameda -2.0%
Monterey 111% San Francisco -6.9% Control Costa -2.0°/a
Stanislaus 10.7% Napa -12.0% Solano -9.0%
Source; Author's composite of the three previous charts
♦ ColWORKs/Welfare- To-Work
The CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work program includes education, training,
employment, and supportive services such as childcare and transportation to
ColWORKs recipients, Education and training services include fob club/job
search activities, job development, vocational skills training, and work
experience, These services provide participants with necessary skills and
supports to overcome barriers to employment,
With few exceptions, all CalWORKs adults must meet Welfare-to-Work (WW
requirements. As the caseload has declined steadily since January 1948, so has
the number of adults with a WiW requirement. As of May 1, 2003, there were
3,622 CalWORKs adults, of whom, 2,593 have a VVTW requirement, Although the
total CalWORKs caseload has increased 1 8% from May 2032, the adults with a
WNl/ requirement decreased 7:8%, This decrease in the adults with a WTW
requirement is indicative of the increase in the number of adults with multiple
barriers to employment.
Table 6 Comparison of Adults with a Welfare to Work Requirement with BASSC
Counties
December December
200
- .-
0, 2002 Change
Total statewide 217,497 181,961 16,3%
San Mateo 5.47 646 18.1%
Marin 230 243 5.7%
San Francisco 2,692 2,820 4,8%
Solano 2,062 2,016 -2.2%
Santa Cruz 836 805 -V%
Alameda 7,844 7,552 -3.7%
Santa Clara 4.214 4,013 -4.8%
Sonoma 834 781 -6.4%
Stanislaus 4,064 3,744 -7.9%
Contra Costa 2,394 2,161 -9.7%
San Benito 214 164 -214%
Napa 158 92 -41.8%
Source: California Department of Social Sery ces(CDSS)WrW 25(Line 1)
Source:CCC EHSD Discoverer Deport WWPO54,
July 21,2003 �
Employment&Human Services Department
CaWORK,s/We#fare®To-Work Update
In April 2003, adults with a WTW requirement were enrolled in 33 different
activities with unsubsidized employment accounting for 289 of the work
activities, The following Chart provides the breakdown for the top ten work
activities.
Chart2 Top Ten Welfare-to-Work Activities for April 2003
English as Second Language 2.q%
Mental Health Services 3.2%
CAL LEARN Eduaallon 3.4%
i
brianlaiion 4.8%
'max Jab Club 51% 1
Q lltt
L.vnlag Llisabitil.s Sa,vkes $.7%
9upemsed Job Search 6.8%
Voo atlana!Tra ming 13.4% i
Asae"a snt ;14.8%
Unsubsidized Employment 2&2%
29.6% 25.6% 30.0%
Source Contra Costa County EHSD Discoverer Report WWPO51,Participant-Work Activities
r CalWORKs Child Care Bloch Grant
The purpose of this program is to provide subsidized child care and a wide
range of child care options for eligible CaIWORKs children and families living in
Contra Costa County. The three stages of CaIWORKs Child Care are described
below,
Stage 1 is administered by the California Department of Social Services
through the County Social Services Departments, and begins when a
participant enters CaIWORKs. The Department administers Stage 1 Child
(.'are,
Stage 2 is administered by the California department of Education (CDD)
through the Alternative Payment Program (APP). CaIWORKs families are
transferred into Stage 2 when they have stabilized in employment (and any
other related activities) and have found a child care arrangement that
allows them to fulfill these obligations, CalWORKs families are eligible to
continue to receive Stage 2 child care for up to 24 months after they leave
aid, Stage 2 Child Care'is administered in the County by all three Alternative
Payment Programs — the Department's APP, the Child Care Council's APP,
and PACE-APP.
July 21,20,03 9
Employment&Human Services Department
CaIWORKs(Welfare-To-Work Update
Stage 3 is also administered by CDE, and in Contra Costa County by the
Child Care Council and PACE. Families move to this stage when they have
exhausted their two-year time limit for child care and continue to meet the
CDE needy family eligibility criteria.
In April 2003, the Department's specialized child care units, one in each District
office, made Stage 1 and Stage 2 child care supportive services payments
totaling $822,023. This represents 941 families with 1,702 children, The chart
below provides a comparison of the total child care payments and number of
families and children served with those in past periods,
Table 7 Child Core Payments-ENSD Child Care Units
PeriodTime MonthlyPayment of e
March 1999 $ 725,884 1,734 996
June 1999 $ 961,350 2, 268 1,299
September 1999 $1,182,371 2,370 1,413
May 2000 $1,128,820 2,432 1,422
April 2001 $ 91.4,070 2,092 1,119
April 2002 $ 868,452 1,841 996
A rfl 2003 $ 822,023 1,702 941
Source;Contra Costa County EHSD Discover Reports CCPO25 and 26
In addition to the above child care payments, in April 2003 the Child
Care Council and PACE paid over $1.6 million for Stage 2 and Stage 3
Child Care,
Table 8 Stage 2 and Stage 3 Child Core Payments PACE and Child Care
Council for April 2003
Monthly
Payment Children
HILP CARL STAGE 2 ..,.
_ S fiO3b881
COUNCIL STAGE 3
- JtJLtaG / „ eTV 747
Tvtar1,3x5,0 $._
PACE STAGE 2 $ 159,651 373 , 190
STAGE 3 $ 173,992 378 207
Total $ 333,643 1 753 1 397
GRAND
$ 1,699,741 3,366 1,754TOTAL
Source:Child Care Council and PACE.
The Cal-Learn program provides services to CaIWORKs pregnant and parenting
teens: The goal of the program is to keep teen parents in school until they
July 21,2003 10
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
graduate, or to get teen parents back in school for their high school diploma or
OED. Teens are eligible to Cal-Learn beginning at any age, providing the teen is
pregnant or has a child: Eligibility is also extended to teen fathers who are
CalWORKs participants and have a born child. As of April 2003 1082 teen parents
participated In the Cal-Learn program, Statewide, over 8,0003 teen parents
participate in CaM-Learn
The Department contracts with East Bay perinatal Council for the operation of
the Cal-Learn program,
♦ Cine-Stop Business and Career Centers
The Workforce Investment Act (WMA) mandates a One-Stop service delivery
system as the primary mechanism for the coordinated delivery of WIA client
services. The concept of the One-Stop is to integrate the numerous
employment and training programs into a single, customer-friendly set of
services and governance structures, The integration of programs through the
One-Step System includes the Department's Welfare-to-Work and CalWORKs
services.
With the Implementation of WIA on July 1, 2000, the Contra Costa County
Workforce Development Board designated the nine (9) legislatively mandated
partners as a consortium program operator for the One-Stop service delivery
system. The Consortium, with the Department as the lead agency, currently
Includes the fallowing partners;
1, Community College Districts
2. Contra Costa County Adult and Continuing Education Coordinating
Council
3, State Employment Development Department(EDD)
4, State Department of Rehabilitation(DR)
& Contra Costa County Community Services Department
& Contra Costa Community Development Department
(Redevelopment)
7, California Human Development Corporation(CHDC)
8. Job Corps
9, Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department
(EHSD)
The One-Stop Centers provide self-access services for job seekers in the Center's
Resource Rooms, intensive assessment and job placement assistance,
workshops, labor market information, and direct training and support, Universal
job seekers are served at the One-Stops as well as those individuals enrolled in
WIA and in ColWORKs,
2 Source; California Department of Social Services STAT 45 report for April 2003,
3 Source; California Department of Social Services STAT 45 report for April 2003
July 21,2003 11
Employment&Human Services Department
CaIWORKs/WelfareaTo-Work Update
Total number of job seeker clients served at the One Stops increased by 25%this
program year reaching over 10,000 clients. In addition a total of 745 WIA adults,
dislocated workers, and Welfare-to-Work clients received services.
Services to the employer and business community are also provided through the
One-Stop system. Employee outreach, screening, and recruitment activities are
conducted, including development and placement of job orders, referral and
brokering of regional and local services to the employer/business community,
and rapid response assistance, Over 535 contacts were made or received from
businesses through or at the One Stops during the program year,
As a mandated partner and as the lead agency of the Consortium, the
Workforce Services Bureau of the Department functionally supervises the
Consortium staff, provides CalWORKs-funded case managers and job
developers, and provides other Department-funded support to the One-Stop
system,
July 21,2003 12
Employment&Human Services Department
CaWORIKs/Welfare-Ta-Work Update
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS/ ACHIEVEMENTS
In this section statistics included in past reports such as number of job placements,
grant savings, and diversion payments are compared to PY 2032-03 year data as a
measure of our performance and progress,
Highlights of past program year achievements are also included in this section, and
cover:
+ Housing Assistance Programs
+ Transportation Services and Programs
+ Domestic Violence Services
+ Client Service Success at the One-Stop Business and Career Centers
+ One-Stop Business and Career Center Services to Employers
+ Learning Disabilities screening
+ Project Clean Slate
+ Welfare-to-Work Outreach Services
+ Time on Aid(TOA) Child Support Buy Back Reviews
♦ Electronic Benefits Transfer(EBT)implementation~
♦ Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMHWORKS)
+ Job Placements
+ Average Hourly Wage and Average Weekly Number of Hours at Work
+ Work Participation Rate (WPR)
+ CaIWORKs Cases with Earnings
+ CaiWORKs Grant Savings
+ Exits Due to Employment
+ Diversion Payments
+ Tracking Participants who apply for Cash Aid
♦ HouslC7Cg Ass%stonce PCoCgl~oms
As discussed in previous reports, all housing initiatives as originally planned were
made available to CalWORKs and TANF eligible families through June 30, 2033,
These programs are listed below:
1. The Relocation Grant Program Is a $1,500 once-n-a-Ilfetlme program for
qualified participants who have obtained a job or received a
documented offer of employment, and need to move closer to work,
child care, or public transportation, Families living in temporary situations
that are employed and in need of permanent housing are also eligible,
The relocation subsidy may be used for moving expenses, such as
moving truck rental, and utility and security deposits, The program, which
began on October I1, 2001 and administered by the Department, has
served 46 clients as of May 30, 2003 at an average grant of $ 1,353,
July 21,2003 13
Employment&Human Services Department
CaIWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
2. The Emergency Assistance Grant Program is a $1,500, once-in-a-lifetime
program to prevent the loss of housing due to financial hardship, not for
lease violations. This assistance covers up to two months of rent
arrearages or $1,500, whichever is less, The program which is
administered directly by the Department began on February 1, 2002, and
has served 7 families at an average grant of $1,057,
3, The Transitional Support Grant Program is a $1,500, once-in-a-lifetime
program for eligible families exiting publicly funded transitional housing
programs to access permanent housing (including the cost of moving).
This program, operated directly by the Department, became operational
on February 1, 2002 As of May 30, 2003, the program has served 3
families at $1,500 per grant,
4. The Housing Information & Referral Program provides eligible families with
housing information and referral services from a rental-housing database,
matching the rental requirements of the unit with applicants meeting the
requirements, To design and develop our referral system, the
Department contracted with Eden I &R, a non-profit, free rental housing
and community service information technology expert,
As of May 30, 2003, landlords have listed over 24,500 rental units with over
861 rental vacancies in the database. A breakdown of the type of units
in the database is as follows:
Section 8 Units 6,629 257
Subsidized Units 4,684 58
Market Rate Units 13,247 546
As of May 30, 2003, 600 Ca€WORKS and 175 Housing Authority client
searches were made on the system,
Given the loss of the TANF incentive funds, no funding will be made
available to support this program after June 30, 2003, Eden I&R staff
along with the Department's Housing Specialist are exploring other
funding sources to continue to support this database.
5, Tenant Housing Counseling Program is intended to provide participants
with the necessary training and skills to overcome rental obstacles, and
to maximize their knowledge, responsibility, and desirability as tenants,
Clients are required to attend and participate in all four tenant housing
counseling workshops comprising the program, which are Money
Management, Estabiishing/Repairing Credit, Housing Maintenance &
Upkeep, and Tenant Occupancy Rights & Responsibilities, Certificates of
14
July 2?,2003
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-Tei-Work Update
completion are Issued to participants who successfully complete the
program, and are required for clients to be eligible for any housing
grants,
Twelve workshops with a maximum class-size of 12 are conducted each
week at multiple locations within the County, The Department
contracted with Rubicon Programs Inc, in partnership with Shelter Inc, to
facilitate the workshops.
As of May 30, 2003, 674 clients successfully enrolled and completed the
program,
Given the loss of the TANF Incentive funds, it was necessary to
discontinue this program In the current program year, However, classes
on Money Management and Establishing/Repairing Credit will continue
to be offered to clients under an existing services contract with Consumer
Credit Counseling. Other efforts are being undertaken by Consumer
Credit Counseling to access HUD funds to continue to provide the other
two training components -- Housing Maintenance & Upkeep, and Tenant
Occupancy Rights & responsibilities,
6. Housing Assistance Grant Program is a once-in-a-lifetime housing
assistance rent subsidy incentive grant equivalent to 809b of the monthly
rent for a four-month period. The program's intent is to assist selected
individuals and families who have demonstrated motivation and
commitment towards achieving self-sufficiency by participating in or
completing job/vocational training, an education program, life skills
building training, and full-time employment. This program will enable
families to become fully self-reliant and independent of government
assistance, Funds are paid directly into an Interest bearing Escrow Savings
Account {ESA} established in the client's name for a period of one year,
At the end of the year, if the client has fulfilled all program participation
goals and conditions, the funds in the account including all interest are
disbursed by the Housing Authority according to the purpose and vendor
listed by the client,
If the client withdraws or is terminated from the program, all funds
deposited into the ESA including interest earned shall be returned to the
County. The maximum amount of a grant including bonus per household
is $6,000, The program operated by the Housing Authority officially started
on April 25, 2002,
As of May 30, 2003, no grants have been approved under this program. As
a result of the discontinuance of the TANF Incentive funds, this program
was unable to continue into the present program year,
7. First Time Homebuyer Grant Program is a once-in-a-lifetime housing
assistance grant of 'up to $5,000 that is intended to assist clients with
J ly 21,2003 1
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
obtaining housing permanency in the purchase of a home, The grant is
paid directly into an interest bearing Escrow Savings Account (ESA) or
Individual Development Account (IDA). At the end of one year, if the
recipient has fulfilled program participation goals and conditions, all
funds including interest will be made available to the participant to use in
conjunction with the Housing Authority, County's Affordable Housing,
and/or other recognized "First-Time Homebuyers" programs offered In
Contra Costa County. If the recipient withdraws or is terminated from the
First-Time Homebuyer Program, all funds deposited into the ESA or IDA
including interest earned shall be returned to the County. The program
operated by the Housing Authority officially started on April 25, 2002.
As of May 30, 2003, one $5,000 grant has been approved under this
program, Due to the discontinuance of the TANF Incentive funds, this
program was unable to be continued into the current program year,
However, our Department Housing Specialist is continuing to work with the
Housing Authority on the IDA concept,
t Transportation Services and Programs
Because the lack of or accessibility to transportation presents formidable barriers
to employment for our clients, we have continued to provide several
transportation programs as described below, The KEYS program and the Free
Student Bus Pass in West County were two new transportation programs
implemented last program year,
1, Children's Transportation Project provides transportation (buses) to school
or child care for the children of CaIWORKs clients. This service is designed
to help remove the transportation barrier that CaIWORKs clients face
while employed or in training in directly transporting their children to
school or child care. This contracted bus program expanded
countywide in September of 2001. Currently eight (8) vehicles are in
operation from 6.00 a.m. until 6,00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The
2002-03 contractor for this program was Laidlaw Transit, Inc„ however,
the service was transitioned to a new contractor, MV Transportation, Inc.
on July 1, 2003.
An average of 100 children are being transported to school or childcare
on a daily basis,
2. "Rides To Success99 or RTS Project provides same-day, demand-response,
employment-related transportation service for CaIWORKs participants.
The project was implemented in September 2001 with ridership growing
significantly since this date:
The primary purpose of the program is to assist clients with immediate,
short-term transportation solutions for interviews, employment, and
July 21,2003 16
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
training, until they can transition to a longer-term solution (transit, car
pool, vanpool, or personal automobile), The CATS shuttles also provide a
feeder service to existing transit lines for clients residing at a distance from
fixed route service. The secondary purpose of the program is to provide
emergency transportation once the client's long-term transportation
solution has been implemented.
This service provides an average of 1,100 to 1,300 one way rides per
month for CalWORKs participants. With recently approved funds from
the Workforce Development Board, this service now provides
employment-related rides to WIA clients at the One Stop Business and
Career Centers.
Like the Children's Transportation Project, bides to Success has been
operated under contract with Laidlaw Transit, Inc., however, this service
too was transitioned to MV Transportation, Inc. effective July 1, 2003,
3. KEYS Auto Loan Program. The KEYS Auto Loan Program Is the latest in an
effort to develop a menu of options for case managers to use in selecting
the most appropriate employment transportation choice for participants.
KEYS is an acronym for "Keeping Employment Equals Your Success." The
first KEYS loans were approved in January 2003, and as of May 28, 8
participants have received auto loans.
The KEYS Auto Loan Program is intended to provide low interest auto
loans to help CalWORKs participants, including those on retention
services, to purchase a vehicle. The loan has a maximum dollar amount
of $3,000 and a 2-year term. This auto loan program targets those
participants for whore an automobile is the only practical means of
transportation to employment, and who would otherwise not be able to
obtain an auto loan. A Loan Review Committee using several criteria,
the most important being the participant's ability to repay the loan,
evaluates loan applications.
Participants who are selected to receive an auto loan are assisted in the
selection of a vehicle to purchase, and are required to complete a
personal budgeting session and a short course on automobile
maintenance responsibilities. Selected vehicles must pass an auto
diagnostic test and be approved by the Auto Loan Coordinator, The
KEYS Auto Loan Program operates as a partnership between EHSD and
the Contra Costa Federal Credit Union (FCU). EHSD has deposited funds
in on account with Contra Costa FCU to serve as a loan guarantee fund
in the event a loan defaults.
The Bureau recentlyreceived approval of a grant that would double the
size of the KEYS loan'guarantee fund, thus doubling the potential number
of auto loans that can be granted for the current program year.
.ru!y 21,2003 17
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
4. LIFT Grant (between Richmond and San Rafael) expanded bus service
between Richmond and the job-rich areas of San Rafael was
implemented in September 2001. Service enhancements include;
• expanded stops in W. Contra Costa County, including the
Richmond BART station
• routing in E. San Rafael along the frontage roads where many
employers are located; and,
• expanded evening and weekend service plus expanded
frequency of service..
Due to the loss of TANF incentive funds, it was necessary for us to
discontinue support of this grant. However, Golden Gate Transit expects
to continue this bus service using the revenue from the increased
ridership on this route in addition to new funding sources,
5. LIFT Grant (Concord's Monument Corridor) expanded the County
Connection's route 114 and added a new Sunday route, Route 314, in
the some area, As with the Richmond/San Rafael grant, it was
necessary to discontinue support of this grant due to the loss of TANF
incentive funds, County Connection is also expected to continue this bus
service with revenues generated by increased ridership on this route,
6, LIFT Grant (AC Transit Free Student Bus Pass). During the 2002-20013 school
year, the Bureau contributed TANF incentive funds to help support a pilot
program sponsored by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to
provide free bus passes to all students who reside within AC Transit's
service area who qualify for time federal free lunch program, The
purpose of this pilot program was to measure the effectiveness of free,
reliable transportation on student attendance. We are awaiting the
results of this pilot:
7, Bethel Island Bus Service (through Tri-Delta) has provided regular, fixed-
route bus service to Bethel island since July 2, 2002, Bethel Island had no
fixed-route public transportation for several years, This made it extremely
difficult for those CalWORKs families who live on the island and do not
own an automobile to access services and obtain employment,
s Domestic Violence Services
Because issues surrounding domestic abuse present significant barriers for our
clients, in 20031 we entered into a formal contract with STAND! to provide for full-
time, on-site Domestic Violence liaisons at each of the Department's four district
offices, The STAND! liaisons continue to provide direct domestic violence
intervention and safety services to our clients as well as capacity building,
technical assistance and consultation to our staff. The liaisons assist with,
July 21 2003 118
Employment&Human Services Department
CaiWORKs/Welfare-To—Work Update
assessments, as appropriate, and give presentations on domestic violence at
client orientations and job clubs,
Through STANDI's services, staff have become more sensitive to domestic
violence Issues and are better able to Identify clients who qualify for Welfare-to-
Work waivers because of domestic violence in their lives,
Since January 2001, we have averaged approximately 16 client referrals per
month4 to STAND!
♦ Client Service Success at the cine-Stop Business and Career
Centers
The tine-Stop Centers have achieved noteworthy success over the last year.
Much of this success is attributable to the leadership of the Workforce Systems
Committee of the Workforce Development Beard, the collaboration and
direction of the care partners comprising the Cine-Stop Operator Consortium,
and the hard work and dedication of the Cine-Stop Center staff,
The number of new universal job seeker customers (non-WIA clients) per month
increased by 34% over last year with the average Cine-Stop usage per week
increasing by 661/o.
Table 9 One-Stop Universal Customers and Usage
December December December %
Ott 2001 2002
Average# of New
Unluersol Customers per 515 694 930 34%
month
Average One-Stop 698 1,016 1,682 669'
Usage per Week
Source:Cwtra Costa County EH5D
As of April 2003, we have had over 10,000 job seekers access services through
the One-Stops, which represents a 25% increase from the previous year. Total
customer visits through April 2003 exceeded 74,000.
The following chart represents the successful achievement of client enrollments
for WIA adults and Dislocated Workers. This chart compares the actual number
of client enrollments(as of April 30, 2003)to planned annual goals.
4 Source:CCC EHSD Workforce Services Bureau Quarterly Outcome Report,
July 21,2003 19
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
Table 1 tl One-Step Client Enrollments by Program
Actual Planned %of Actual
Number Annual to Planned
Client Enrollment by Program Enrolled Enrollments AnnualGool
WIA Adults 182 136 134%
VIA Dislocated Workers 134 115 117%
TOTAL 316 251 126%
Source:Contra Costa County EHSD
The success of the Cine-Stop Business and Career Center system is also
determined to the degree the eight (8) WIA-established Department of Labor
Performance Measures are met. The following information reflects the most
recent information received from the State Employment Development
Department (EDD) on our success in meeting and exceeding these
performance measures.
Table 11 WIA Performance Outcomes
Negotiated Actual
Worker Group Pefformance Performance
measure status
Level Level
Entered Adults 69°l° 84.3% Exceeded
Employment /°
Rate Dislocated 74% 83.8% Exceeded
Workers
Retentlon Rats Adults 79% 89.6% Exceeded
Dislocated 88% 88.1% Exceeded
Workers
Earnings Adults $3,800 $5,221 Exceeded
Replacement in Six Dislocated 86% 85%* Met
Months Workers
Employment& Adults 50% 41,7% Met
Credential
.Attainment Rate Dislocated 42% 76,6% Exceeded
Workers
Source:Workforce Investment Act Annual Deport
Note: "Met"means an Actual Performance level of 80%or higher of the Negotiated
Performance Level
Another indicator of the success of the One Stop Business and Career Centers
and a most notable achievement was the ranking of Contra Costa's four One
Stop Centers in the top 5 out of 13 EASTBAYWorks Centers surveyed for customer
service satisfaction, An independent evaluator contracted by EASTBAYWorks,
Inc conducted this survey, When compared to 16 other organizations and
companies like Clorox Levi Strauss, and Safeway; the EASTBAYWorks Centers
ranked second to Clorox (which was ranked #1 at 85%) with a satisfaction rating
of 83%,
kAy 21.2003
20
Employment&Human Services Department
Ca1WORKs/Welfcare-To-Work Update
♦ Cine-Stop Business and Career Center Services to Employers
Services to the business/employer community at and through the One-Stop
Center system were developed and commenced in program year 2001-2002,
The Business Services Team comprised of the Consortium's Business Service
Representatives, CalWORKs Job Developers and the CaWCRKs Business
Services Manager offer customized workforce solutions for businesses and
organizations throughout Contra Costa County. Thi charge of the Business
Services Team is to deliver the 14 core business services as called for under the
County's WIA strategic plan,
Contra Costa County has been recognized by other counties as having a
cutting edge model. Unlike other counties, the Business Services Team carries
employers rather than "job seekers' as the primary customer. Cour services
target two primary categories: Business Service/Resources and Staffing
Assistance. The Business Services Representatives are responsible for Business
Services/Resources and the Job Development Team is responsible for Staffing
Assistance.
Business Service/Resources includes: business consultation, business-to-business
referrals, workshops and seminars for the business person, Labor Market
Information, permit and licensing information, conference and meeting space,
customized training programs, economic development, financing resources,
and, of course, free resource information in many categories.
Staffinq Assistance includes. promotion of job openings, personalized
recruitment events, tax credit and hiring incentive assistance, expansion,
attraction and retention services and interview facilities.
o Employers Served: The Business Services Team served over 1,475 employers
from July 20102 through March 2003, an increase of 45% from last year's
report, Of the 1,475 employers, 417 (28%) were repeat customers, The
Business Service Team assisted start-up companies to connect with the
myriad of County resources. Here is a sample of employers' responses:
",,.your passion and focus to help local businesses really
shows,"
"You and your staff are to be commended. Cour
experience at the Career Center was extremely
positive."
"Congratulations on putting together a most interesting
and informative seminar, The respondents ,,.. rated the
workshops on the high end,"
July 21,2G03 21
Employment&Human Services Department
CaIWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
so impressed with your organization and the
important role it plays in the community,"
o Recruitments: The Business Services Team coordinated 135 recruitments
throughout the four One-Stops, Some of the businesses were: U,C, Berkeley,
Safeway, Home Depot, Comfort Suites, Lowe's, Radio Shack, UPS, Sears
Product, City of Richmond, the FBI, TJ Maxx, Roleys, Lawrence Technologies,
24-Hour Fitness, Loomis Fargo, Bank of America, and Comcast, We also
conducted recruitments in the healthcare field and automotive field,
• Presentations: The Business Services Manager made presentations on our
model to the County Welfare Directors' Association (CWDA) in April 2003, In
January 2003, a presentation titled, Straight Talk, How to Capture on
Employer's Heart was made to the California Workforce Association (CWA),
Our presentations were well received and we have an excellent reputation
statewide for operating a high quality program,
o Staffing Support and Collaboration: The Business Services Team provided
staffing support for several special events held throughout the County, Some
of these events included: coordinating and presenting a panel on "Saving
Thousands on Business Services"at the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, at
the Annual Hispanic Drop-Out Rate Seminar conducted by the Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce and also at Diablo Malley College, The Team staffs
booths at all local Trade Fairs, sits on Chamber subcommittees and attends
networking meetings to offer assistance and support, Some of the other
organizations that the Business Services team is involved in include the Health
Care Collaborative, the Concord Police Department, and Monument
Corridor projects,
Learning Disabilities Screening
Since implementing Learning Disabilities screenings in April of 2002, all CalWORKs
Welfare-to-Work participants agreeing to be screened have received this
service. We continue to offer this service to all new CalWORKs applicants,
These learning need screenings are invaluable for stuff to better identify barriers
and develop self-sufficiency plans most suitable for our clients. As of April 30,
2003, 2,231 CalWORKs participants were screened for learning disabilities,
Those clients preliminarily determined through the screenings to have a learning
disability are referred to one of the Bureau's Assessment and Intensive Services
(AIS) Units where a Senior Employment Specialist (Social Worker) completes a
more thorough assessment and evaluation, Clients are then referred to a
licensed practitioner for further evaluation, Of the 2,231 CalWORKs participants
who were screened, 329 were found to have a possible learning disability and
were referred to the AIS Unit,
Vy 21,2003 22
Employment&Human Services Departrrent
CalWORKs/Welfare-Ta-Work Update
For these clients determined to have a special learning need, various service
providers (i.e. the Adult Schools and private, non-profit or for-profit organizations)
are under contract to provide further diagnostic testing, assessments, and
education, Rubicon and ARC are also under contract to provide supported
work and specialized job placements, CalWORKs participants who are
confirmed to have learning needs may also have their Welfare-to-Work time
clacks and plans adjusted to accommodate their individual situations,
Table 12 Learning Disabilities Referrals
Total Noir- %of
Exempt Screening Total Participants Exempt from
District Participants 'Pending Screened Refused that Refused Screening
AN7IOCH 1275 16 965 294 23.06% 231
BAYPOINT 48 35 13 27.08% 10
HERCULES 523 17 324 282 45.26% 244
MARTINEZ 564 12 457 95 16.84% 178
NOR7HH
RICHMOND 46 1 26 19 41.30% 1
RICHMOND 695 21 424 2501 35.97% 41
District Total 3,251 67 2231 953 29.31% 705
Source:contra Costa County FSHD Discoverer Ad Hoc Report
♦ Project Clean Slate
Because past criminal records can be formidable barriers to the employment
and career advancement of our clients, Project Clean Slate was implemented
on September 1, 2001 as a contracted service with the Public Defenders ('office,
Project Clean Slate assists our TANF clients (as well as bath the County and City
of Richmond's WA clients) in reducing or expunging past criminal records or
convictions, For calendar year 2002, 176 participants benefited from this
service.
+ Welfare-to-Work Outreach Services
Our Outreach Services Units continue to make home visits/contacts with clients
when the clients are in danger of being sanctioned for noncooperation with
Welfare-to-Werk requirements, The Outreach Units are located in the Antioch,
Martinez and Richmond District Offices,
The Outreach Units continue to have an impressive cooperation rate, Over the
last two calendar years, 87% of the participants agreed to cooperate after
meeting with one of our Outreach workers, The average number of clients
agreeing to cooperate for January 2002 through April reached 909 ,
July 21,2003 2
Employment&Duman Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
Table 13 Outreach Deferrals
NumberNumber of Percent
NumberParticipants who Number ,. who
Of Contacted agreed to refused to agreed to
Time Period Referrals cooperate cooperate c operate
2000 1,980 1,346 1,088 258 819
2001 3,297 1,625 1,409 216 87%
2002 3,757 1,958 1,771 187 900/0
Jon-Mar 2003 879 459 437 22 95%
Source;Contra Costa County EHSD Intemal report
At the point of outreach, we gather statistics on the reasons why clients are not
cooperating with their Welfare-to-Work requirements, These statistics indicate
that physical/medical problems, clients already working, and good cause
circumstances continue to be major reasons for why clients do not cooperate,
These findings have been used to assist us in modifying and enhancing our
service delivery operations in order to remove barriers to cooperation and
employment.
Table 14 Top Four Reasons for Failing to Cooperate
----------
Calendar Year Colendarar
2000 2001 2W2
ReasonReason Reason
h—ltd Care issues 18,0 Other Good 19,03 Po:ticipant Otter Good 22.0
Cause"for not already working 18,8 Cause`for not
cooperating cooperating
discovered discovered.
Participant 152 Participant already 18,0 Medical Physical Miscellaneous 18:9
already working working problem 16.0 reasons
Medical/Physical 14.9 Miscellaneous 15.0 Miscellaneous 15.0 Already 12,1
problem reasons reasons Working
Miscellaneous 12.1 Medical/Physical 1V Child Care issues 11,8 Medical/Physic 10.4
reasons problem al issues
Source:Contra Costa County EHSD Internal Report
Note: Examples of "Other Good Cause" Include a death of a close relative; attending to behavior problems
with children with the school or the Juvenile court system; participant has legal problems that require
community service.
r Completed Time on Aid and Child Support Buy Back reviews
in December 2002 CalWORKs adults began reaching their 60-month time limit.
As part of the time on old verification process, workers were required to review
and compare the child support paid into the Child Support Services Department
for CalWORKs aided children, This review entailed comparing, month by month,
the CaIWORKs cash payment and the collected child support since January
1998, Reviews verifying time on aid are required when the adult reaches his/her
541h month of aid, the 58th month, at Intake, at the Annual reinvestigation and
at the client's request.
Child Support payments made on behalf of CalWORKs children since January
1998 are being used to reimburse ColWORKs payments paid for that period,
joy 211,2X3 24
Employment&Human Services Department
CaIWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
When the CalWORKs paid for the month is reimbursed with child support, that
month Is added back to the 60-month clock of adults who were active in the
Cal WORKS grant for these months.
♦ Implemented Electronic Benefit Transfer(BBT)
In December 2002, CalWORKs staff implemented Electronic Benefits Transfer
(EBT), which changed the method of delivering cash old to clients. Cash
benefits, Including Food Stamps, are now electronically transferred to a client's
personalized account, Clients access their cash and food stamps using a debit
card which looks identical to an ATM card. EBT ensures clients have their
benefits timely and eliminates last and stolen checks.
♦ Substance Abase and Mental Health (SAMHWORKS)
We continue to refer participants to the SAMHWORKS (Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services for CalWORKs) Program operated by the Health
Department through various individual service providers. For calendar year
2002, we referred 299 fewer clients than the previous year. The majority of
CalWORKs clients with Mental Health and Substance Abuse issues have been
identified and already referred for services, SAMHWORKS referrals are now
primarily new applicants to CalWORKs. Additionally, many of our CalWORKS
clients access and receive SAMHWORKS services other than by direct staff
referral.
For the first quarter of calendar year 2003, we are referring an average of 52
CafWORKs participants per month to SAMHWORKS. If this referral rate continues,
we will exceed the total number of referrals for calendar year 2001, We believe
this increase is due to our full implementation of the learning disability screenings
for last year. We have found that many of our clients with special learning
needs are also diagnosed with a mental health or substance abuse issue,
Table 15 SAMHWORKS Referrals
Time Period Number of Referrals AvefageMon
Calendar Year 2000 1,031 85
Calendar Year 2007 528 44
Calendar Year 2002 377 31
Jdnc -March 2X3 156 52
Source:Health Services SAMHWORKS Quarterly reports
Job Placements
Our client job placements continue to decrease as the caseload declines and
as we reach those clients with more barriers to employment, This decline has
been further impacted by a'softened economy over this last year,
juiy 21,2003 25
Employment&Duman Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
In addition to individual case management, participants receive employment
services through Job Club and Job Search and through our job developers and
business services efforts at the One-Stops.
Table 16 Total Job Placements
TOTALOF PLACEMEIVIS
TIME PERIOD OF JOB PLACEMENTS PER MONTH
July 1998-July 7999 4,199 323
August 1999-May 2000 5,003 500
June 2000-April 2071 4,919 447
June 2001 -April 2002 3,967 331
June 212--April 2003 2,434 222
Source:Contra Costa County EHSD Discoverer Report WWPOO2 Placements in Yv;W by ritie
Job placements as a percentage of WiW CaWCRKs participants has been
declining steadily since last year's report which is further evidence that the
CalWORKs caseload is increasingly multi-barriered,
Chort 3 Job Placements as a Percentage of the Total Ca1WORK,s WW
Participants
7000 30.00%
°u
6000 -1
25.00°r° Q
5000
20M%
cc 4000 0
15.00°,x°
3000 0
10.00!°
E 2000 .
0 1000 5.00%
0 ' 0.00%
-s
C3 Opo ��t ��� �� ob
�
NTotal Number of CalWORK WTW Participants --+—Job Placements as%of CalWORKS Participants
Source:Contra Costo County EHSD Composite Discoverer Reports
July 21,20013 26
Employment&Human Services Department
CaiVvORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
♦ Average Hourly Wage And Average Weekly Number Of Hours
At Werk
For the period June 2002 through May 2003 CalWORKs participants, at job
placement, averaged 30.02 hours per week and earned an average of $9.19
per hour (equates to $1,195 per months). This represents the highest earnings yet
achieved by our CalWORKs clients.
The monthly average income based on the average hours per week at work
continues to be below the U.S, poverty threshold of $ 1,2726 per month for the
typical CalWORKs family consisting of a single parent and two children, The
California Budget Project estimates that a single parent family (one adult and
two children) needs to eam $25.997 per hour to achieve a modest standard of
Ilving in the Bay Area.
Our continuing challenge, with shrinking resources, is to place participants in
jobs with career advancement and with a potential for increased earnings.
Moving participants to self-sufficiency, not just to a jab, requires more intensive
case management and follow-up employment services.
Table 17 Average Hourly Wage, Hours Worked, Monthly Income
A s♦- Weekly rg
Average bHourss
Time Period Hourly Wage of Work Income,
August 1999-December 1999 $7.95 29,22 $1,006
Jonuoty 2000-May 2000 $8.18 29.71 $1,052
June 2000-May 2001 $8.65 30.67 $1,149
June 2001 -May 2002 $9.10 31.48 $1,240
June 2307.2--May 2003 $9.19 301.02 $1,191
source;ccc E iSrJ Discoverer Report\AMPOO6, fob Placements Average waste
The distribution of job placements by wage range has been fairly consistent
since September 2000. For this past year, there has been a significant shift to jab
placements in the $7.00 to $9.99 per hour range with a correlating decrease in
the lower end jabs as indicated in Table 18, While this is a positive step,
CalWORKs families have considerable economic, ground to traverse to reach
self-sufficiency.
30.02 hours per week x $9.19 per hour x 4.33 =$1,194.57 per month.If the participant is working 40
hours per week,the average monthly Income Is$1,591.70 per month,which is above the U.S.Poverty
Threshold.
6U.S.Department of Health and Human Services,Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and
Evaluation,The 003 l`ll-lS Poverty Cold llln February 7,2003
http://aspe.os.dhhs,gov/poverty/03poverty.htm
7" Making Ends Meet:Now Much Does it Cost to Raise a family in California",CalifornL Budget-Pro_iect
On-line pasting,September 2001,<http://wv/w.cbp,org>
July 21,2T03 27
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
Table 18 Wage Ranges
Wage Range Calendar Year 2001 Calendar Year 2002 1
$6.991Hvur or Less 23% 14%
$7.001b $9.991Hbur 44% 51%
$10,00 to$11.991Hour 1890 179
$72.001Hour car More 14% 18%
Source:CCC EHSD Discoverer Report WWWP003,Job Placements Wage Ranges,
s Work Participation Rate (WPR)
The WPIC is a federal mandate requiring a certain percentage of our families to
meet minimum weekly work hours. As of October 2001, 509'. of our one-parent
families should be working or In some other approved work activity for 303 hours
per week, and 90% of our two parent families should be working or in some
other approved work activity for 35 hours per week.
We are currently meeting our mandated WPIC target when the State's
methodology for applying the caseload reduction credle is applied to our
actual average monthly WPR rate for One-Parent households (with no active
child under the age of 6) and to our Two-Parent households, As with other
Counties, meeting the WPIC continues to be a challenge,
* CalWORKs Cases with Earnings
As of May 1, 2003, 1,329 families or 18.029 of all CalWORKs families, have
earnings. The current rate for two-parent families is 41.61°lo or 191 families, For
the period June 2002 through April 2003, our CalWORKs families reported
earnings in excess of $14,000,000.
Table 19 Cases with Earnings
CalWORKsof
FamiliesC01WORKS All of All Two-Parent ColWORKs
♦ Two-porent
REPORT MONTH Earnings Families Earnings Families
December 1998 3,202 27.40°/a 609 53.42%
July 7999 2,898 27,3% 550 55.3%.
December 1999 2,903 30.98% 482 64.70%
May 2000 2,711 29,75% 427 65.5Wo
May 2001 1,909 25,13% 325 65%
May 2002 1,494 20,66% 266 59.78%
Ma 2003 1,329 18,02% 191 41,61%
Source:Contra Costa County EHSD Discoverer Report CWPO24 Cases with Earnings and Grant savings
a The Work Participation nate targets are a set number.Federal regulations allow for a reduction in the
WPR target based on a reduction in the State's caseload.This calculation is made at the State and
Federal level.It recognizes that as the caseloads decline,we will have a higher percentage of hard to
serve participants.
July 21,2003 28
Employment&Human Services Department
CaNVORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
For the month of April 2003, our CalWORKs families reported total earnings of
$990,473, As we predicted and as we previously reported, with the larger
percentage of hard-to-serve participants and the overall declining caseloads
and job placements, it will be more difficult to show an increase in the number
of families with earnings. This trend is expected to continue into next program
year. The chart above indicates a significant decrease in the number of two-
parent cases with income. This is due In part to the number of adults In two
parent households who reached their 60-month time limit and were removed
from the cash grant. These are the 'Safety Net" cases. For May 20039, we had
180 Safety Net cases. Of these 180 cases, 102 or 56,67% have income from
earnings,
♦ Grant Savings
For the period ,dune 2002 through April 2003, our total grant savings were
$3,838,176, a 25% decrease from last year's report and an average monthly
grant savings decrease of 18% to $ 348,425. This number reflects the decline in
the caseload as well as the larger percentage of bard-to-serve participants who
remain in the program.
Chart4 Eornings Reported and Grant Servings on CalWORKs Cases
$9.00O,C
i
5
f
i
SB,OOO,t290 —i
I
SE,000,000 i
$1.000000
I
Jan-Mar April- J y 9:pr Ocf D c;Jen Mar April- July-8 spt Oef-0 as:_Jan-Mar April- July-S aAx dex pac Jer.-M ar
20¢0 aana 2000 2090 200 Jun 200" 2001 2062 J°r`# 200E 2002 2009
2060 2001 2002
144_4$$O 048 53 8 948 51$0,195',L7 3.780,20 5,130,04,53,02 @,30$A,$12,74 3,$t3,03 5,365.78 9$08.93 3,968 73;S�3A`.900,3Ef
-EI 6rapt4 - y� �$i,B14,18 1,77366
1,72 4.4 0 S 1,990_90 1,537,30151 40 i,11::: —A 254,31 Y,tl39,L3 Sp7G 089'41049,7G;S1,04982$i,bB0,q 2)
Source:Contra Costa County EHSD discoverer Report CWPO24 cases with Earnings and Grant Savings
9 See Table 1 of this report.
July 21,2CO3 29
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs(Welfare-To-Work Update
Exits Due to Employment
The number of exits due to earnings as provided below is fiscal year based, As
with job placements, client exits due to employment leveled oft due to
declining caseloads and reaching performance plateaus,
Also, only those clients exiting due to employment of which our staff have been
formally notified are included in this performance indicator. There are many
situations where a participant is discontinued from cash aid for some other
reason, such as failing to meet a Welfare-to-Work requirement or not sending in
the monthly income report, when in fact the participant was working, We
estimate that a significant number of families leave old each month because
they have obtained employment. Statistics from our Outreach Units indicate
that 12% of participants who failed to cooperate with their WTW requirement
and were in danger of being sanctioned were already working,
Chart 5 Exits from Cash Aid Due to Employment
2500
2,112
20004—_.__ .__ < ° _ _.___ 2,001
-
W 1500 ._---.—
°m f,339
4,114
E 1000 l
673
Soo
f
0
January 1998 -June Judy 1998-lona 1999 Judy 1999-May 2000 ,tune 2000_April 2001 June 2001-April 200-2 June Me--April 2003
1998(8mos-) (12 mos) (ii mos.) (11 mos.) (ti mos) {11 mos.)
Time Fame
Source:Contra Costa County Discoverer Report CWP022 Exits Due to Employment
♦ Diversion Payments
The Diversion Program offers a single lump surra payment to otherwise eligible
CaIWORKs families to stabilize the families' situation and avoid the families from
coming on aid. Emergency housing accounts for 661Y0 of Diversion payments,
From May 2002 through April 2003, 21 cases were diverted at Intake at an
amount totaling $52,881, or an average of $2,518 a case, Of the 21 families
who were diverted, 18 of those families have been successful in remaining off of
10 Source:CCC ENSD[discoverer report CWP206,Diversion Statistical Report.
July 21,2003 30
Employment&Human Services Department
CaIWO Ks/Welfare-To-Work Update
cash assistance. This equates to an 86% successful diversion rate, the same rate
as reported last year.
Through the Diversion Program we assisted a couple with a two-month old
baby. The mother had exhausted her State Disability Insurance. The father had
been unemployed for the past six months and had exhausted all of his
Unemployment Insurance Benefits, A Diversion Payment was made in October
2002. During that month, the mother accepted a job with Kaiser Permanente;
her first paycheck was expected in November. CalWORKs Diversion funds paid
for the family's November rent plus two months of car Insurance, The family to
date has not returned to apply for cash aid.
�► Tr ckirlg Participants who apply for Cash Aid
Since April 2000 we have been gathering monthly statistics on reasons people
apply for cash aid. For the period of January through December 2002 data was
gathered for 3,701 applicants, Forty-five percent (45%) of the applicants had
never been on aid before, and 55% (2,016) had been on aid in the past 36
months. A breakdown of the 2,016 applicants' length of time off of aid before
re-application is as follows:
Table 20 Length of Time Off Aid at Application
W - �Mlrml M
Off old for less than 72 mantas 1,511 75%
Oft'old more than 72 months but less than 24 389 19%
month
Off aid more than 24 month but less than 36 116 6%
months.
TOTAL 2,016 100%
Source:Contra Costa County EHSDF internal Report-Tracking Reasons for Aid
We track 40 possible reasons for applying for aid. The top five reasons are:
Table 21 reasons for Applying for Aid
Relocation from another county, state, or 704 1W
country
Family Separation 687 180/0
EamllyJob lass 614 17%
UIE or SDI exhausted 278 8%
Employed and Not Eligible 248 7%
Sum of the 35 other Reasons* 1,170 31%
TOTAL REASONS 3,701 100%
Source:Contra Costa County EHSD€Internal Report-Tracking Reasons for Ad
Note:*Examples of the otter w reasons Include:illness,flied for other benefits and awaiting approval;uiB or
SDI is exhausted;death of caretaker.
July 21,2003 31
Employment&Human Services Ceparh-nent
Ca1WORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
Relocation, Family job loss, and Family Separation continue to be the top three
reasons for applying for aid. In calendar year 2002, job loss slipped to third place
having accounted for 26%of the reasons in the previous year.
July 21,2003 32
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWOrKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
CRITICAL SERVICE DELIVER' ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
Uncertain CaI WORKS Budget, Lass of Funding and Reduction
in Services
As has been the case in past reports, the current budgetary situation for PY 2003-
04 is uncertain, we are expecting at least a 13% reduction in the CalWOrKs
allocation. This reduction including the loss of TANF incentive funds, Department
of labor Welfare-to-work formula grants, and WMA allocation losses to the One
Stops, represents, on a conservative basis, approximately 23% less funding from
previous years. it is also unknown at this time the level of funding that will be
available for child care, which is a major support service for our clients.
Table 22 Funding Sources Comparison for Prior and Current Fiscal Year
Expected
Sourceto2103 FY 2003104 Reduction
ColWORKs Allocation ' $43,890,799 $38"216,684 13��
TANF incentives $ 5,913,634 $ 0 1000/0
WIA $ 2,600,000 $ 2,000,000 23%
WTW Formula Grant $ 0 $ 0 0�'0
TOTAL $52,404,433 $40,216,684 23%
This situation is further exacerbated by the requirement for Department staff to
continue to be engaged in additional client services and case intensive
activitles for the current program year. These services and activities which
commenced last program year include:
• learning needs screenings
• Time on Aid JOA)file reviews and certifications
■ applying,where appropriate, "clock extenders" to TOA clients
• I VS (Income Eligibility Verification System)reviews
• VVtW 30 Work Participation rate case reviews and reports
The Department will also be engaged in the following major projects and
activities scheduled to commence this program year. These activities and
projects will require considerable time and will have a significant impact on
current operations, during a'period of considerably less funding.
■ CalWORKs Cost of living Adjustment
■ TANF Reauthorization activities
• Timing Out Ca1WOrKs Adults
■ Serving Clients with Disabilities
■ Service Delivery and Staffing Challenges
• Job Development, Job retention and Career Advancement
Juiy 21,2003 33
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
• Quarterly Deporting and Prospective Budgeting
• CaIWIN Implementation
• WA Reauthorization activities and Response to a new One Stop
Operator Request for Proposal (RFP)
As in past years, we will continue to be involved in ongoing budgetary and
service planning sessions, which includes our evaluation of our contracted
services, our staffing levels and service delivery system, and our services to
clients.
We have been specifically monitoring staffing levels and filling only those
positions with essential functions, We have been evaluating our contract
services and client supportive services from an effectiveness and budgetary
standpoint. These efforts have also encompassed the identification of other
existing grant or new funding sources as well as investigating existing and new
opportunities for collaboration as a means to leverage our dwindling resources,
♦ Ca1WORKs Cost of Living Adjustment
The May Revise suspended CaiWORKs Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for
June 2003 and October 2003, Because the state did not have an approved
budget before July 1, 2003, the California Department of Social Services advised
counties on June 18, 2003 that current law required a COLA for June 2003. We
ran the COLA on June 23rd, However, if the budget is passed based on the May
Revise, the Department will be required to reverse the COLA and reduce grants
to the October 2001 levels.
♦ TANF reauthorization
TANF Reauthorization which was, by law, to occur in October 2002 is still
pending, Congress has extended the current TANF legislation through
September 2003. H.R, 4 was passed in the House earlier this year and S. 5 was
introduced in February 2003, S.5 remains In committee. The issues of most
concern with this proposed legislation is;
• requiring participants to be engaged in Welfare-to-Wort{ activities for
a total of 40 hours per week (an increase from the existing standard of
32);
• requiring that 24 of the 40 hours be in a direct work activity
• increasing the Werk Participation Date over a five year period from
50%to 70%for all families;
■ limiting vocational training to 12 months
• maintaining the 60-month life time limit
July 21,2003 34
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-To-'Wotk Update
Tuning Out CalWORKs Adults
In December 2002, CaNORKS adults began reaching their 60-month Co[WORKs
lifetime limit. In these cases, the adult is removed from the CalWORKs cash
grant, and the children continue to be granted, The adult continues to be
eligible for Food Stamps and Medi-Cal, but based on existing County policy, is
not eligible for General Assistance,
From December 31, 2002 through February 2003, 173 adults were discontinued
from cash aid because of time limits. These were significantly fewer adults than
what we estimated. The lower actual number is explained by time that was
bought back because of child support and other adjustments to the adult's
time clock.
In previous reports, we identified primary language as an issue for the TCCA
adults, This continues to be an issue for the 173 adults who were discontinued
December 31, 20102 through February 2003. The following chart compares
primary language for the 173 TCA adults with the total CalWORKs caseload,
The data indicates that Vietnamese, Laotian, and Mien speaking adults are over
represented in the TCCA population, The following chart is based on data as of
March 31, 2003,
Chart 6 Comparison of Primary Language of TOA Adults and Total CalWORKs
Population
_
OTHER ;r
2.4%
TARSI 0.8
f I
3.5%
MIEN,KOREAN, 1.0%
2.4%
VIETNAMESE 1.7% _
a 57.2344 i
j
0
LAOTIAN
2.4%
15.1°k
SPANISH
2.4°1m
ENGLISH 831%
89,A°I
0,01% 50.0% 20,0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 80.0% 70,0% 80.0% 90.0%
OTOA Adults MAli GWWORfCs
Source;Centra Costa County EHSD Internal 2etoort on Timing out Adults JOA)
Jiuly 21,2003 35
Employment&Human Services Department
CaIWORKsfWelfare-1'o-work Update
Limited English Proficient (LEP) clients as well as other adults timing out need
active and aggressive case management during their remaining time on aid,
On average, LEP clients have lower earnings, work fewer hours, and have less
education, yet have the least amount of job assistance activity. The majority
has worked in low paying jobs for several years, Given this as well as language
and cultural barriers, we expect that services to our LEP clients will continue to
be a challenge,
Further, clients timing out and those currently on old need continual and
uninterrupted support services to optimally ensure their success and job
attainment, retention and advancement. It is critical for us to continue to
provide the needed level and array of support services to all our clients
including those timing out who will continue to be eligible to these services up to
24 months after they leave aid,
♦ Serving Clients with Disabilities
Research from across the country and our own experience suggest that some of
our hard-to-serve participants have learning needs or other disabilities that
require special attention in order for these participants to succeed under
CalWORKs.
As described in the previous section of this report, the Department has initiated
learning disabilities screening for our CalWORKs clients, and has developed and
contracted a special services delivery system to assist those clients determined
to have special needs, Because many of our learning needs clients also have a
mental health or substance abuse issue, we are exploring the further expansion
of the SAMHWORKS funds to provide enhanced services to clients with both
learning disabilities and mental health issues. This will encompass those of our
clients with both a mental health and learning disability issue who have been
determined unable to work.
Service Delivery and Staffing Challenges
Since September 2002, the CalWORKs staff experienced two downsizings which
severely hampered levels of service to clients as well as staffs' ability to
effectively manage their workloads. These staffing reductions also caused shifts
in caseloads and staff program reassignments that required training. Support
and line staff and supervisor positions were reduced as well. With reduced
funding and staff, we are continuing to refine our employment focused service
delivery model. Specialized non-case carrying staff (e,g. JobClub/Job Search,
Job Developers, and Outreach Workers) are needed to assist in the delivery of
specialized services,
As previously mentioned, we will also continue to be engaged in additionally
required activities and services related to the TOA clients, those with learning
needs, CalWIN implementation, and Quarterly Deporting implementation. This
July 21,2003 36
Employment&Human Services Department
Ca]WORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
will continue to pose a 'challenge for effective services delivery particularly
during a period in whichthe majority of our CaIWORKS district offices will be
undergoing major facility renovations and moves.
♦ Job Development, Jab Retention and Career Advancement
Providing an effective level of job retention and career advancement services
will continue to be a challenge for next year, For these of our clients requiring
assistance with job placement, continued job development and specialized job
development services will also be necessary particularly for the most-in-need
client,
While many of our clients do obtain employment, they require additional
supports to aid them with successful job retention. In order to make meaningful
advancements towards self-sufficiency; many also require services to assist with
increased wage earnings as well as advancement towards better jabs and
careers. This is particularly important for our timing out clients.
As evidenced by the data we gather for why individuals apply for aid, family job
lass Is consistently one of the top three reasons cited and is further evidence that
these services are needed.
While there are generally inherent difficulties in the successful provision of job
retention/career advancement services to working clients, these difficulties will
be increased under a tight budget and in a softened economy, We are further
challenged this year to explore other resources and approaches for delivering
these much-needed services to our clients. We expect to Increase our referrals
to the One Stops and other agencies providing retention and support services,
♦ Quarterly Reporting and Prospective Budgeting
Current regulations require all CalWORKs recipients to complete Monthly
Income Reports (CW 7s) and send them to their workers. Changes that are
reported on the income report are then used to determine eligibility and to
determine the cash grant for the future month.
It is expected that by the end of 2003, the Department will be implementing
Quarterly Reporting and Prospective Budgeting. Under this system, clients
submit an Income report every 3 months and that report is used to determine
eligibility and the cash grant for the next three months.
Quarterly Reporting is intended to assist in reducing time spent by both our
clients and workers on CalWORKS and Food Stamp forms completion,
submission, and processing which is necessary to determine ongoing eligibility. It
is anticipated that going to quarterly reporting will also reduce the food stamp
error rate,
July 21,2003 37
Employment&Human Services Department
CalWORKs/Welfare-To-Work Update
Staff and clients will need to be trained in the new policy and systems changes,
This change will require new Case Data System (CDS) programming and is
equivalent to the implementation of FIST (Electronics Benefits Transfer), Quarterly
Reporting will significantly change how we are currently doing business,
s CdWn Implementation
Staff continues to be involved with preparations for CaIWIN which is a computer
system that will replace the following current automated data collection
systems:
■ CDS(Case Data System)which has been used since the late 1970"s
GIS GAIN Information System)
Pegasys--the General Assistance automated system
CalWIN will impact CalWORKs, Food Stamps, Medi-Cal and General Assistance,
Preparing for implementation and actually implementing the system will be a
huge undertaking for the entire Department with far-reaching implications, At a
minimum it requires a detailed documentation of all our current business models
and a determination of what organizational, staff, system, and services delivery
changes are needed in the business models to implement the system, CaIWIN
will impact almost every facet of services delivery particularly how we are
organized to process applications for CalWORKs, Food Stamps, Medl-Cal and
General Assistance.
♦ WIA Reauthorization activities and response to a new One
Stop Operator Request for Proposal (RFP)
WIA is scheduled for reauthorization in 2003, H, R, 1261 is the current WIA
reauthorization legislation which was passed by the House on May 8th. H. R,
1261 calls for a mandatory TANF contribution, but does not propose TANF as a
mandatory partner on the Workforce Development Board, It also stipulates
public assistance recipients as a secondary or additional priority service group,
Other general Issues requiring clarification include proposed performance
measures, funding, flexibility(state versus local areas), and resource sharing,
Additionally, since July 1, 2000, the One Stop Operator Consortium, with the
Workforce Services Bureau serving as the lead, has run the 4 One Stop Centers
as the designated One Stop Operator, The Workforce Development Board Is
currently planning the development and distribution of a RFP to competitively
solicit its 2004-05 One Stop Operator, Given the timeline for distribution of the
RFP, the Consortium and Bureau will be required to spend considerable time in
2003 to best prepare and develop a proposal in response to the RFP,
suly 2003 38