Universal Engagement in Practice: Lessons from the Implementation of the Pathways Case Management System

This article, through Mathematica Policy Research, reviews the role that the Pathways Case Management System has had in helping States achieve universal engagement. Pathways includes tools to help frontline TANF staff give recipients the supports they need to transition into employment. "Pathways is based on the belief that all recipients can participate in activities that will help them improve their life circumstances, that they should be required to do so, and that, through this experience, they will eventually become as self-sufficient as possible, given their circumstances." This article includes lessons learned from the Pathways program to achieve universal engagement.