The evaluation has two main purposes. First, it has documented and assessed the structure and implementation of WtW programs at the local level. Second, it is tracking outcomes of program participants in selected sites.

To fulfill these purposes, the study uses a three-part strategy:

1. Basic nationwide documentation of WtW programs has been developed through analysis of program plans and two rounds of a national survey of all WtW grantees. Data collection included a mail survey of all grantees and, to provide contextual information for interpreting survey data, visits to 35 sites.

2. An intensive process and implementation analysis was conducted in 12 in-depth sites; the analysis was based on two rounds of site visits and program data, plus two focus groups per site during each round.

3. Follow-up data have been collected from administrative records and surveys in 11 sites as a basis for outcomes analysis. Data collection included:

• Sample enrollment using Inter-Active Voice Response (IVR)
• A baseline interview, which was self-administered at the sites after enrollment.
• 12- and 24-month followup after enrollment. Computer-assisted telephone interviews with field follow-up locating was conducted.
• A special study survey of Philadelphia participants.

The WtW evaluation also features a special study of grants to American Indian tribes. That study has provided information to Congress, tribes, and others on how tribes are using WtW funding, the types of services provided, the attributes of people served, and the relationship between new WtW programs and other tribal programs already in operation. Special studies have been conducted of the operation of tribal TANF programs and of tribal economic development initiatives.

Research questions addressed by this study include:

1. What types and packages of services do WtW grantees provide? How do they compare to services already available under TANF or Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) funding?

2. What are the outcomes of WtW program participants?

3. What challenges do grantees confront as they implement and operate WtW programs?

4. What are the costs of operating WtW programs?

5. How well do PICs and other non-TANF organizations — the primary vehicles for funding and operating WtW programs — meet the challenge of serving those hardest to employ?

The purpose of the Welfare to Works grants was to address the following concerns:

1. Providing additional resources to assist the least employable, most disadvantaged welfare recipients move from assistance to work, acknowledging that this group may require more assistance.

2. Supplementing TANF funds with funds that can be used only for work and work-related activities, not cash assistance.

3. Expanding employment services to non-custodial parents of welfare children to increase their ability to support their children.

4. Targeting resources to specific communities.

Welfare to Work grants are intended to supplement TANF funds. To reinforce the employment focus of the Welfare to Work grants the program falls under the Department of Labor and at the local level , Private Industry Councils (PIC) that administer the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and now the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).