States face a challenge moving women with substance abuse problems from welfare to work under the requirements of the 1996 federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program (TANF). This TRI study examines outcomes of an initiative in 11 states, designed by CASA, to pilot test an integrated intervention strategy designed to support female TANF recipients' efforts to achieve employment by overcoming substance abuse and other major barriers to work. Substance abuse treatment is integrated with employment-related services, services for domestic violence, parenting skills, and case management. A repeated measures design with no formal control group was employed during the initial developmental phase. Utilizing 125 clients who completed baseline, 6 month and 12 month assessments (by October, 2001, analysis will be presented on the final sample of an estimated 600 clients), repeated measures MANOVAs were performed across all ASI composite scores as an overall test of within-group change. Outcome findings indicate that the employment picture significantly improved over the year (p<.05), with 40% of the women employed full or part-time at 12 months (compared to 5% at baseline). Substance abuse had been significantly reduced during this same time period, no alcohol use to intoxication during the past 30 days increased from 62% to 80% of women (p<.05), and those having no illegal drug use increased from 70% to 90% (p<.05). The CASAWORKS model appears to be promising based on these findings but analysis (in a second phase) with a control group will provide a clearer picture of the model's effectiveness.
Learning Objectives: 1. List key features of welfare reform (TANF). 2. Describe CASAWORKS for Families (integrated new approach. 3. Describe outcome findings on substance abuse, employment, victimization, and other needs.
Keywords: Substance Abuse, Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.