This study investigated employment and welfare outcomes of welfare recipients who participated in substance abuse treatment in Florida between 1994 - 1999. Three statewide administrative databases were linked by social security number. We identified 5,272 adults who both participated in substance abuse treatment and received welfare benefits at admission to treatment and then compared them to a random sample of 7,595 welfare recipients who did not receive substance abuse treatment. The proportion of substance abuse treatment participants who made the transition from welfare to work increased over 300% during the study period. Almost one-third of substance abuse treatment participants had moved from welfare to work by 1998-1999, compared to 15% of the comparison group. Employment predictors included demographic and treatment-related characteristics and the strongest predictor was working during the month of admission. Multivariate analyses provided evidence of the value of substance abuse treatment since both length of stay and completion of substance abuse treatment were significant predictors of positive study outcomes.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Describe employment and welfare outcomes of drug treatment participants before and after welfare reform. 2. Appreciate the value of integrating state-wide administrative databases to track social outcomes.
Keywords: Women, Substance Abuse
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.