All Featured Highlights: Transitional Jobs
- Apr 03, 2009 | Allegra Baider and Elizabeth Lower-Basch Making the Employment Connection: New Opportunities to Support Transitional Jobs Programs Using the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund This paper highlights new opportunities to develop or expand Transitional Jobs programs using funding from the new Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Emergency Contingency Fund, which was authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Download PDF
- Dec 12, 2006 | Abbey Frank Increasing Opportunities: Creating and Expanding Transitional Jobs Programs for TANF Recipients Under the Deficit Reduction Act The passage of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) significantly changed the structure of the work requirements mandated in the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Faced with increased work participation rate requirements and stricter definitions of the allowable work activities, states are now facing difficult choices regarding their TANF programs. One program model that has been proven to improve employment outcomes is transitional jobs (TJ) programs. TJ programs have been used successfully to provide hard-to-employ TANF recipients with paid work experience. This policy paper outlines the ways in which states should report participation in transitional jobs programs under the interim final rule. On December 21, 2006, HHS issued new guidance to states regarding their work verification plans. This paper has been updated to reflect that guidance. Download PDF
- May 23, 2006 | Allegra Baider and Abbey Frank Transitional Jobs: Helping TANF Recipients with Barriers to Employment Succeed in the Labor Market The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provisions in the fiscal year 2006 federal budget bill will require most states to substantially increase the number of TANF recipients participating in work-related activities. Many of the families who continue to receive cash assistance under TANF have significant barriers to employment; thus, it is essential that state strategies to increase participation address the needs and circumstances of these families. This paper highlights transitional jobs, a promising strategy that can help TANF recipients with barriers succeed in the labor market while simultaneously helping states meet higher participation rates by engaging more participants in work activities. Download PDF