The University of Texas at Austin

Ray Marshall Center

for the Study of Human Resources

for the Study of Human Resources

The Workforce Investment Act in Eight States

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The Workforce Investment Act in Eight States

Researcher(s):Burt S. Barnow and Christopher T. King
Date: February 2005
Publisher: Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, Albany, NY
Publication Type: Full Report (PDF) and Executive Summary (PDF)

Abstract: This report concluded a two-year study of workforce service delivery in eight states, 16 local areas, and more than 30 local One-Stop Career Centers operating under the auspices of the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998. The purpose of this study was to provide useful information for both national policymakers in the Executive Branch and Congress for WIA and related reauthorizations (e.g., Perkins, TANF) and for program administrators and policy researchers. The research was designed to enhance understanding of the way workforce service delivery has been operating across the United States. The five major topics which the study addressed were: (1) leadership, including the role of employers and the private sector; (2) system administration and funding; (3) organization and operation of One-Stop Career Centers; (4) service orientation and mix; and (5) the use of market mechanisms such as the Eligible Training Provider (ETP) list, performance standards, and Individual Training Accounts (ITAs).


Welfare and Work:Experiences in Six Cities

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Researcher(s):Christopher T. King and Peter R. Mueser
Date Published: January 2005
Publisher(s): W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
Availability: Available for purchase from the W.E. Upjohn Insitute for Employment Research. 200pp.

Abstract: King and Mueser examine changes in welfare participation and labor market involvement of welfare recipients in six major cities during the 1990s. By focusing on these six cities (Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, and Kansas City) they are able to glean the extent to which differences in state and local policy, administrative directives, and local labor market conditions contribute to the trends in caseloads, employment, and well-being observed among former recipients. This allows the authors to identify recipient flows and patterns of employment in the six cities before and after welfare reform, and to draw conclusions that go beyond existing studies.

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National Benefit/ Cost Analysis of Three Digit-Accessed Telephone Information and Referral Services

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National Benefit/Cost Analysis of Three Digit-Accessed Telephone Information and Referral Services

Authors: Dan O’Shea, Christopher T. King, Stuart Greenfield, Elaine Shelton, Laura Sullivan, Erin Taber, and Jerome A. Olson
Date: December 2004
Publication Type: Report, 107pp.
Also Available: Executive Summary, 2pp.

Abstract: The Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources at The University of Texas at Austin developed estimates of the benefits, costs, and net value created by public and private investments in a national, three digit- accessed (2-1-1) information and referral (I&R) network for health and human services in a study conducted for the United Way of America.

The information, data, and observations regarding benefits and costs gathered through this research provided the basis for an ex ante estimation of the net value of a national 2-1-1 I&R network. Net value to society was presented as the difference between the benefits accrued and the costs incurred by participants and taxpayers, less taxes and transfers between them. Under three of the four 2-1-1 scenarios examined, the estimated net value to society was positive. Only the scenario of a single model/decentralized system produced a negative net value. The generally positive estimated net value of a national 2-1-1 I&R network was supported by observations drawn from conversations with call center administrators and staff, as well as local health and human services professionals and individuals from the general public who have used 2-1-1.

Research also indicated that: the viability of maintaining and expanding a standards-based, national 2-1-1 information and referral network is dependent on the infusion of additional funds; several promising prospects and practices are available to further offset costs in favor of enhanced net value; and the national 2-1-1 effort is ripe for enhanced public/private sector collaboration.

Impacts of Workforce Services for Young, Low-Income Fathers: Findings from the Texas Bootstrap Project

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Impacts of Workforce Services for Young, Low-Income Fathers: Findings from the Texas Bootstrap Project

Authors: Daniel Schroeder, Sarah Looney, and Deanna Schexnayder
Date: October 2004
Publication Type: Report, 54pp.
Also Available: Executive Summary

Abstract: This was the second of two reports evaluating the Bootstrap Project, a program created as a supplement to the Texas Fragile Families Initiative (TFF).  The TFF program helped organizations around the state increase their capacity to serve young, low-income fathers. Bootstrap provided enhanced services to fathers so they could develop the necessary resources to become responsible parents who met the needs of their children.

This impact evaluation addressed four primary research questions regarding the economic effects of necessary Bootstrap services on low-income noncustodial fathers.  The research compared the outcomes for Bootstrap participants to those of a carefully selected comparison group of other young, low-income fathers on the Office of the Attorney General of Texas’ child support caseload.  The results reported strongly suggested that the Bootstrap program was successful in achieving its goals of improving outcomes for young, low-income noncustodial fathers and the mothers of their children.  However, the researchers cautioned that the results should be interpreted cautiously due to various factors needing clarification with further research.

Supporting Responsible Fatherhood in Austin, TX: An Analysis of Current Programs and Opportunities

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Researcher(s):Sarah Looney
Date Published: August 2004
Publisher(s): Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, the University of Texas at Austin (professional report)

Abstract: The number of children living in single-parent households in the United States has increased dramatically since the 1960s. Today, most children are expected to spend some part of their childhood in a single-parent household, typically without a father present. Partially as a response to this phenomenon, the last decade experienced a surge in ‘responsible fatherhood’ initiatives designed to increase child support collections, further understanding of the important roles fathers can play, and increase fathers’ participation in the lives of their children. This report analyzes the lessons learned from efforts thus far in order to suggest opportunities to strengthen and expand responsible fatherhood programming in Austin, Texas.

Availability:

Full Report (PDF)
Executive Summary (PDF)
Printed Copies:
Contact rmcpubs@raymarshallcenter.org

Proposed Performance Measures and State Responses: Analysis and Next Steps

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Proposed Performance Measures and State Responses: Analysis and Next Steps

Researcher(s):Christopher T. King and Sarah Looney
Date Published: June 2004
Publication Type: Full Report (PDF)

Abstract: Ray Marshall Center researchers provided an analysis of proposed performance measures for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Integrated Performance Information (IPI) Project. Researchers used feedback surveys from state participants to summarize advantages, disadvantages and brief discussions on 30 proposed measures of the workforce investment programs and the One-Stop Career Center. Based on participants’ responses, RMC researchers identified seven measures as the top candidates for adoption as part of the IPI Project: outcomes for employers and the economy, labor market outcomes for program participants, social welfare outcomes, return on investment, customer satisfaction, skill gains and others. The final measures selected by the participants will be discussed in a forthcoming paper, “Integrated Performance Information for Workforce Development System Planning, Oversight, and Management,” authored by Bryan Wilson of the Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

The Texas Child Care Subsidy Program After Devolution to the Local Level: A Product of the Study of Child Care Devolution in Texas

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Researcher(s): Deanna Schexnayder, Daniel Schroeder, Ying Tang, Laura Lein, Julie Beausoleil, and Gina Amatangelo
Date: June 2004
Publisher(s): Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources, The University of Texas at Austin, and Center for Social Work Research, School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin

Abstract: This report on the devolution of subsidized child care in Texas examines and analyzes child care policies and program management at the state and local areas over the six-year time period under study (FYs 1998-2003). It updates state and local policy changes and statistical profiles for FY 2002 and FY 2003, and analyzes the patterns of policy changes, the role of the workforce development board, and local partnerships across the 28 local workforce development board areas. Placed in the context of the nation’s child care policy environment, the report further discusses key issues such as strategies for obtaining local funding and partnerships in the area of subsidized child care, and how state and localities have addressed the issue of quality at a time of fiscal constraint and increased need for services.

Availability:

Full Report (PDF). 50pp.
Executive Summary (PDF)
Appendices (all PDF)

Printed Copies, contact: rmcpubs@raymarshallcenter.org


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