To evaluate the components of California Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN).
Program/Policy Description
GAIN aims to increase employment and foster self-sufficiency among people receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). GAIN was originally mandatory for all welfare recipients except single parents with children under the age of six (and was later reduced to three under JOBS). Welfare recipients are exempt from remaining registered in the program if they obtain a full-time job or are chronically ill. GAIN’s regulations permit temporary deferral from the participation requirement for those who have a part-time job, temporary illness, family emergency, or another situation that precludes attending an activity.
James Riccio (not reported)
MDRC 16 East 34th Street
19th Floor
(T) (212)-340-8822
(F) (212)-684-0832
Publications Department
MDRC Publications (publications@mdrc.org)
MDRC 16 East 34th Street
19th Floor
(T) (212) 532-3200
(F) (212) 684-0832
Populations Studied
Target Population
Recipients/participants/clients
Applicants
Subgroups Analyzed
Single parent families
Sample Size and Unit
33,000 welfare applicants and recipients.
Random sample of program group (assigned to participate in GAIN) and control group (not allowed to participate in GAIN but able to use other community services) members.
Sites Studied
Alameda county (Oakland), California
Butte county, California
Los Angeles county (Los Angeles), California
Riverside county (Riverside), California
San Diego county (San Diego), California
Tulare county, California
