Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-jkksz Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-23T01:31:31.310Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Improving Employment Participation for Welfare Recipients Facing Personal Barriers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2008

Daniel Perkins*
Affiliation:
Social Action and Research Unit, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Melbourne, Australia E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

There is growing evidence that welfare recipients facing significant personal barriers are not being well served by either regular employment programmes or support services operating in other areas, such as mental health or drug and alcohol sectors. This paper argues that there is a lack of recognition of the desire and capacity of such individuals to engage in employment and the potential for employment to assist in their recovery, given appropriate support. Existing policy responses and gaps are discussed and effective programmes and models identified.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Alverson, H., Alverson, M., Drake, R. E. and Becker, D. R. (1998), ‘Social correlates of competitive employment among people with severe mental illness’, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 22, 1, 3440.Google Scholar
Anderson, S., Halter, A. and Gryzlak, B. (2004), ‘Difficulties after leaving TANF: inner-city women talk about reasons for returning to welfare’, Social Work, 49, 2, 185195.Google Scholar
Atkinson, J. S., Montoya, I. D., Whitsett, D. D., Bell, D. C. and Nagy, C. W. (2003), ‘The relationship among psychological distress, employment, and drug use over time in a sample of female welfare recipients’, Journal of Community Psychology, 31, 3, 223234.Google Scholar
Auerbach, E. S. and Richardson, P. (2005), ‘The long-term work experiences of persons with severe and persistent mental illness’, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 28, 3, 267273.Google Scholar
Becker, D. R., Drake, R. E. and Naughton, W. J. (2005), ‘Supported employment for people with co-occurring disorders’, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 28, 4, 332338.Google Scholar
Blankertz, L. and Magura, S. (2004), ‘Better definition of vocational services is critical within substance user treatment programmes’, Substance Use and Misuse, 39, 13–14, 26152617.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bond, G. R. (2004), ‘Supported employment: evidence for an evidence-based practice’, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 27, 4, 345359.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bradley, S., Oskrochi, R. and Crouchley, R. (2003), ‘Social exclusion and labour market transitions: a multi-state multi-spell analysis using the BHPS’, Labour Economics, 10, 659679.Google Scholar
Brown, A. (2001), Beyond Work First: How to Help Hard-To-Employ Individuals Get Jobs and Succeed in the Workforce, Philadelphia, Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation.Google Scholar
Butcher, L. (2006), ‘FEANTSA EWG International Comparative Study’, Paper presented to the FEANTSA Employment Working Group meeting, 17–18 March, Prague.Google Scholar
Butterworth, P. (2003a), ‘The challenge of greater economic and social participation: Describing the disadvantage of lone mothers receiving income support’, ‘Steps forward for families: research, practice and policy’, 8th Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference, 12–14 February 2003 Melbourne.Google Scholar
Butterworth, P. (2003b), ‘Estimating the prevalence of mental disorders among income support recipients: Approach, validity and findings’, Policy Research Paper No. 21, Canberra, Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services.Google Scholar
CalWORKs Project (2001), ‘Six county case study’, Report No. 2: ‘Moving beyond implementation to identification and service’, California Institute for Mental Health, Sacramento.Google Scholar
Clark, A. E. and Oswald, A. J. (1994), ‘Unhappiness and unemployment’, The Economic Journal, 104, May, 648659.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Crowther, R., Marshall, M., Bond, G. R. and Huxley, P. (2001), ‘Helping people with severe mental illness to obtain work: systematic review’, British Medical Journal, 322, 7280, 204208.Google Scholar
Danziger, S. K. and Seefeldt, K. S. (2002), ‘Barriers to employment and the “hard to serve”: implications for services, sanctions, and time limits’, Focus, 22, 1, 7681.Google Scholar
Dean, H. (2003), ‘Re-conceptualising welfare-to-work for people with multiple problems and needs’, Journal of Social Policy, 32, 3, 441459.Google Scholar
Derr, M. K., Hill, H. and Pavetti, L. (2000), Addressing Mental Health Problems among TANF Recipients: A Guide for Program Administrators, Washington, DC: Mathematica Policy Research Inc.Google Scholar
Dillon, E. M. (2004), ‘Addressing persistent and intractable employment problems in individuals with histories of drug addiction’, Substance Use and Misuse, 39, 13–14, 26212623.Google Scholar
Dillon, E. M., Wong, C. J., Sylvest, C. E., Crone-Todd, D. E. and Silverman, K. (2004), ‘Computer-based typing and keypad skills training outcomes of unemployed injection drug users in a therapeutic workplace’, Substance Use and Misuse, 39, 13–14, 23252353.Google Scholar
Drake, R. E., Bond, G. R. and Rapp, C. (2006), ‘Explaining the variance within supported employment programmes: comment on what predicts supported employment outcomes?’, Community Mental Health Journal, 42, 3, 315318.Google Scholar
Drake, R. E., McHugo, G. J., Bebout, R. R., Becker, D. R., Harris, M., Bond, G. R. and Quimby, E. (1999), ‘A randomized clinical trial of supported employment for inner-city patients with severe mental disorders’, Archive of General Psychiatry, 56, 7, 627633.Google Scholar
Drebing, C., Van Ormer, E., Krebs, C., Rosenheck, R., Rounsaville, B., Herz, L. and Penk, W. (2005), ‘The impact of enhanced incentives on vocational rehabilitation outcomes for dually diagnosed veterans’, Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 38, 3, 359372.Google Scholar
EnSearch Inc (2004), 2004 Comparison Study: An Evaluation that Compares Outcomes for a Multi-Site Transitional Jobs Program with Random Samples of Participants in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (Minnesota's TANF Program), Golden Valley, USA: EnSearch Inc.Google Scholar
ESU (2000), Advice and Guidance: Meeting Community Needs Lessons from INTEGRA, Birmingham:Employment Support Unit.Google Scholar
ESU (2001), Towards an Empowerment Approach: A Guide for Projects, Birmingham: Employment Support Unit.Google Scholar
Evans, J. and Repper, J. (2000), ‘Employment, social inclusion and mental health’, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 7, 1, 1524.Google Scholar
Flatau, P., Galea, J. and Petridis, R. (2000), ‘Mental health and wellbeing and unemployment’, The Australian Economic Review, 33, 2, 161181.Google Scholar
Gallie, D. and Paugam, S. (2002), Social Precarity and Social Integration, Report for the European Commission Based on Eurobarometer 56.1, Brussels: European Commission.Google Scholar
Ganley, R. (2002), ‘The psychological impact of joblessness’, Australian Social Policy, 2002–2003, 179200.Google Scholar
Goldberg, H. (2002), ‘Improving TANF program outcomes for families with barriers to employment’, Centre on Budget Priorities, www.cbpp.org/1-22-02tanf3.pdf [accessed 18 May 2005].Google Scholar
Gowdy, E. L., Carlson, L. S., Rapp, C. A. (2003), ‘Practices differentiating high-performing from low performing supported employment programs’, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 26, 3, 232239.Google Scholar
Honey, A. (2004), ‘Benefits and drawbacks of employment: perspectives of people with mental illness’, Qualitative Health Research, 14, 3, 381395.Google Scholar
Jayakody, R., Danziger, S., Seefeldt, K. and Pollack, H. (2004), ‘Substance abuse and welfare reform: comp-rehensive programmes needed to address recipients’ multiple problems’, Connection, February, 12.Google Scholar
Jayakody, R. and Stauffer, D. (2000), ‘Mental health problems among single mothers: Implications for work and welfare reform’, Journal of Social Issues, 56, 4, 617634.Google Scholar
Jobcentre Plus (2006), Progress2work, Jobcentre Plus, www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/jcp/partners/progress2work/index.html [accessed 3 July 2006].Google Scholar
Johnson, A. and Meckstroth, A. (1998), Ancillary Services to Support Welfare to Work, Report submitted to US Department of Health and Human Services, Princeton: Mathematica Policy Research, Inc.Google Scholar
Johnson, C., Schweke, W. and Hull, M. (1999), ‘Creating jobs: public and private strategies for the hard-to-employ’, Corporation for Enterprise Development and Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, www.cbpp.org/6-28-99jc.pdf [accessed 29 April 2005].Google Scholar
Kemp, K., Savitz, B., Thompson, W., and Zonis, D. A. (2004), ‘Developing Employment Services for Criminal Justice Clients Enrolled in Drug User Treatment Programs’ Substance Use and Misuse, 39, 13, 24912511.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Kemp, P. A. and Neale, J. (2005), ‘Employability and problem drug users’, Critical Social Policy, 25, 1, 2846.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kirby, G., Hill, H., Pavetti, L., Jacobson, J., Derr, M. and Winston, P. (2002), Transitional Jobs: Stepping Stones to Unsubsidized Employment, Washington, DC: Mathematica Policy Research Inc.Google Scholar
Kovess, V., Gysens, S., Poinsard, R., Chanoit, P. F. and Labarte, S. (1999), ‘Mental health and use of care in people receiving a French social benefit’, Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 34, 11, 588594.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Lucca, A. M., Henry, A. D., Banks, S., Simon, L. and Page, S. (2004), ‘Evaluation of an individual placement and support model (IPS) program’, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 27, 3, 251257.Google Scholar
Marrone, J. and Golowka, E. (1999), ‘If work makes people with mental illness sick, what do unemployment, poverty, and social isolation cause?’, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 23, 2, 187193.Google Scholar
Mathers, C. D. and Schofield, D. J. (1998), ‘The health consequences of unemployment: the evidence’, The Medical Journal of Australia, 168, 178182.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Millar, J. (2001), Keeping Track of Welfare Reform: The New Deal Programmes, York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation.Google Scholar
Nam, Y. (2005), ‘The roles of employment barriers in welfare exits and re-entries after welfare reform: event history analyses’, Social Service Review, 79, 2, 268293.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Office of Inspector General (2002), State Strategies for Working with Hard-To-Employ TANF Recipients, Washington, DC: Department of Health and Human Services (US), Office of Inspector General.Google Scholar
Olson, K. K. and Pavetti, L. (1996), Personal and Family Challenges to the Successful Transition from Welfare to Work, Washington, DC: Urban Institute.Google Scholar
Pavetti, L. and Kauff, J. (2006), When Five Years Is Not Enough: Identifying and Addressing the Needs of Families Nearing the TANF Time Limit in Ramsey County, Minnesota, Washington, DC: Mathematica Policy Research Inc.Google Scholar
Pavetti, L., Olson, K., Nightingale, D., Duke, A.-E. and Isaacs, J. (1997), Welfare-To-Work Options for Families Facing Personal and Family Challenges: Rationale and Program Strategies, Washington, DC: The Urban Institute.Google Scholar
Peck, J. and Theodore, N. (2000), ‘“Work first”: workfare and the regulation of contingent labour markets’, Cambridge Journal of Economics, 24, 1, 119138.Google Scholar
Perkins, D. (2002), ‘Outcomes and obstacles: the Job Network and disadvantaged job seekers’, Brotherhood Comment, November, 13.Google Scholar
Perkins, D. (2005), Personal Support Programme Evaluation: Interim report, Fitzroy: Brotherhood of St Laurence.Google Scholar
Perkins, D. and Nelms, L. (2004) ‘Assisting the most disadvantaged job seekers’, in Carlson, E. (ed.), A Future that Works: Economics, Employment and the Environment, Newcastle: Centre of Full Employment and Equity, University of Newcastle.Google Scholar
Philbin, M. (2003), Are We Making a Difference? A Report on the Long-Term Impact of Chicago Commons Employment Training Center (ETC) on Past Program Participants, Chicago: Chicago Commons Employment Training Center (ETC).Google Scholar
Pollack, H. A., Danziger, S., Seefeldt, K. S. and Jayakody, R. (2002), ‘Substance use among welfare recipients: trends and policy responses’, The Social Service Review, 76, 2, 256274.Google Scholar
Prarie Research Associates (2000), ‘Reconnecting social assistance recipients to the labour market: Lessons learned’, Final report, Human Resources Development Canada, www11.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/cs/sp/hrsdc/edd/brief/2000-000598/sarlm.shtml#t3 [accessed 28 June 2006].Google Scholar
Provencher, H. L., Gregg, R., Mead, S. and Mueser, K. T (2002), ‘The role of work in the recovery of persons with psychiatric disabilities’, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 26, 2, 132.Google Scholar
Richards, N. and Morrison, A. (2001), Moving On: Education, Training and Employment for Recovering Drug Users, Edinburgh: Scottish Executive Effective Interventions Unit.Google Scholar
Richardson, S. (2003), Low Wage Jobs and Pathways to Better Outcomes, National Institute of Labour Studies (Australia) monograph series no. 7, Adelaide: National Institute of Labour Studies, Flinders University.Google Scholar
Salyers, M. P., Becker, D. R., Drake, R. E., Torrey, W. C. and Wyzik, P. F (2004), ‘A ten-year follow-up of a supported employment program’, Psychiatric Services, 55, 3, 302308.Google Scholar
Seefeldt, K. S. and Orzol, S. M. (2004), Watching the Clock Tick: Factors Associated with TANF Accumulation, National Poverty Center Working Paper Series, National Poverty Center, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University Of Michigan.Google Scholar
Shaheen, G. E., Williams, F. and Dennis, D. (2003), ‘Work as a priority: a resource for employing people who have serious mental illnesses and who are homeless’, US Department of Health and Human Services, www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/SMA03-3834/default.asp [accessed 30 June 2005].Google Scholar
Shepard, D. S. and Reif, S. (2004), ‘The value of vocational rehabilitation in substance user treatment: a cost-effectiveness framework’, Substance Use and Misuse, 39, 13–14, 25812609.Google Scholar
Singh, P. (2005), No Home, No Job: Moving on from Transitional Spaces, London: Off the Streets and into Work.Google Scholar
Social Research Institute (1999), ‘Understanding families with multiple barriers to self sufficiency’, Final report submitted to Utah Department of Workforce Services, Salt Lake City, University of Utah.Google Scholar
Waghorn, G. and Lloyd, C. (2005), ‘The employment of people with mental illness’, discussion document prepared for the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia, Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia, viewed 1 June 2005 www.schizophrenia.org.au/pdfs/MIFA%20Employment.pdf.Google Scholar
Waller, M. (2002), Transitional Jobs: A Next Step in Welfare to Work Policy, Research brief, Washington, DC: The Brookings Institute.Google Scholar
White, D. (2001), ‘To market, to market: Employability in the liberal investment state’, Paper presented at the conference on Social Cohesion, 21–22 June, Université de Montréal, Montreal.Google Scholar
Winkelmann, L. and Winkelmann, R. (1998), ‘Why are the unemployed so unhappy? Evidence from panel data’, Economica, 65, 257, 115.Google Scholar