Further, only one-half of their earnings is deducted from their TANF cash assistance grant.
Participants can remain in the program for up to nine months.
The program targets TANF cash recipients who have not complied with job search requirements, were not successful in getting employment, or have multiple barriers to employment. State welfare case managers refer qualifying TANF recipients to one of 17 contractors, who use aptitude and interest assessment tools to create an individual development plan and locate an appropriate work site. The contractors are expected to assist participants in overcoming barriers to work as well as have regular communication with work site supervisors and help resolve job site-related issues. The Families that Work program model evolved out of Washington's version of the Even Start program, which is aimed at improving basic life skills of parents of children in Head Start. The 20 to 25 hour a week program prepares parents with low basic skills for work by combining literacy instruction with family management skills, such as parenting, managing time, arranging child care, resolving transportation problems, and other issues that often prevent single parents from succeeding in school or work.