| The
Workforce Development Board (WDB) will oversee integration
of California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids
(CalWORKS) into the new workforce development system.
CalWORKS helps individuals and families transition
from welfare to work. |
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What
Is CalWORKS?
In 1996, the United States Congress passed the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act,
which fundamentally changed the manner in which adults
would receive cash assistance. In California, CalWORKS
is the name of the state legislation passed to implement
the new federal requirements. No longer simply a cash-aid
program, CalWORKS offers a comprehensive employment
and training program, with support services designed
to promote economic self-sufficiency for both individuals
and families. It also limits the length of time adults
can receive cash benefits.
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CalWORKS
participants are required to enroll in the Welfare-to-Work
program unless specific conditions prevent it. Once
in |
the
Welfare-to-Work program, participants must look for work
and take a suitable job if it is offered to them. They
also may be required to attend an approved employment
activity or participate in programs to address substance
abuse, mental health, and/or domestic violence issues.
| Support
services may also be offered to address the transportation,
childcare, education, training and other needs of
participants. These services often |
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after the client has found employment to contribute
to their future success. |
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In
Contra Costa County, CalWORKS goals include:
•
Moving families from welfare to work
• Increasing earned incomes
• Improving service efficiency
• Providing supportive services, such as child care,
cash aid, access to nutritional and health assistance
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The
Contra Costa CalWORKS program has achieved a 40%
reduction in the County’s cash-aid caseload since
the program started in 1997. In the year 2000 alone, more
than 3,100 CalWORKS participants successfully entered
the workforce.
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