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Linking program implementation and effectiveness: Lessons from a pooled sample of welfare-to-work experiments

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  • Howard S. Bloom

    (MDRC)

  • Carolyn J. Hill

    (Georgetown Public Policy Institute, Georgetown University)

  • James A. Riccio

    (MDRC)

Abstract

This paper addresses the question: How does implementation influence the effectiveness of mandatory welfare-to-work programs? Data from three large-scale, multi-site random assignment experiments were pooled; quantitative measures of program implementation were constructed; and multilevel statistical modeling was used to examine the relationship between program implementation and effects on short-term client earnings. Individual-level data were analyzed for 69,399 sample members and group-level implementation data were analyzed for 59 local programs. Findings indicate that, other things being equal, earnings effects are increased by: an emphasis on quick client employment, an emphasis on personalized client attention, staff caseloads that do not get too large, and limited use of basic education. Findings also show that mandatory welfare-to-work programs can be effective for many types of people, and that focusing on clients who are especially job-ready (or not) does not have a consistent influence on a program's effectiveness. © 2003 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management

Suggested Citation

  • Howard S. Bloom & Carolyn J. Hill & James A. Riccio, 2003. "Linking program implementation and effectiveness: Lessons from a pooled sample of welfare-to-work experiments," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 22(4), pages 551-575.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jpamgt:v:22:y:2003:i:4:p:551-575
    DOI: 10.1002/pam.10154
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Mary Jo Bane, 1989. "Welfare reform and mandatory versus voluntary work: Policy issue or management problem?," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 8(2), pages 285-289.
    3. Miller,Gary J., 1992. "Managerial Dilemmas," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521372817.
    4. Lawrence M. Mead, 1983. "Expectations And Welfare Work: Win In New York City," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 2(4), pages 648-662, May.
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