This research brief from the Office of Child Support Enforcement identifies findings from a five-site Parenting Time Opportunities for Children (PTOC) grant. The grant, awarded to child support agencies in California, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Oregon, was intended to demonstrate how child support agencies can include parenting time orders in child support enforcement actions. The brief describes how increases in noncustodial parenting time, with safeguards in place for child welfare, led to improved relationships and increased compliance with child support payment orders.

This Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation report evaluates two approaches for subsidized employment targeted for Los Angeles County TANF recipients. The report compares the two programs to analyze which appears to be more effective. It also analyzes the effects of the two programs on employment and earnings, receiving TANF, total income, and overall well-being compared to the absence of subsidized employment, and examines the cost-benefits of these models.

This National League of Cities issue brief identifies the challenges that mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness present to local communities. The brief profiles innovative approaches that city leaders have taken, including first responder-provider partnerships, first responder-led referral programs, and regional dedicated emergency psychiatric facilities. Examples are presented of how these approaches are tailored to the unique community needs in Seattle, Washington; Gloucester, Massachusetts; and Alameda County, California.

This study, prepared by Mathematica, is the fourth annual report to Congress that evaluates 10 SNAP Pilot Projects in California, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. The report identifies grantees’ enrollment goals and services, as well as their respective programs’ achievements and challenges. The evaluation used a random assignment research design to assess the level of support offered to SNAP participants on job search assistance, training, and basic and vocational education, as well as subsidized and unsubsidized work experience.

This MDRC study examines the offerings of 39 adult basic skills programs and analyzes the need for these types of programs. The report identified 10 programs in high-need areas in California, where adult basic skills education is integrated with workforce and college preparation. There is also a set of findings on opportunities for expanded integrated adult basic skills programs in the state and the lessons that can be applied to other states across the country.

This Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation report is an implementation and impact study of two job search assistance programs in Sacramento County, California: Standard Job Club and Fast Track Job Club. The report assessed whether there are differences in types of services that job seekers receive under either program, as well as the level and duration of assistance. The report also discusses if there are differences between participants in the two programs regarding employment, earnings, duration before employment, and need for public assistance.