To accomplish the goals of evaluating TEA implementation across the state and its effects on recipients and their families, we will conduct an evaluation with two main components: a process study and an outcomes study. The process study will address the implementation of the program at both the state and local level. Through interviews with multiple state and local respondents, client focus groups, and observation of program activities, we will document the progress of TEA implementation and how it has varied across counties in the state. We will select a random sample of counties to include in the process study, ensuring that we include counties that accurately represent the diversity of the State of Arkansas.

The outcomes study will provide an analysis of the effects if the TEA program by examining clients’ experiences with the program and their subsequent outcomes after leaving it. Linking four administrative data sets collected by the state, the outcomes study will profile clients during their TEA participation and track their post-program activities and outcomes. We will also compare TEA clients’ outcomes to those of their predecessors in the AFDC program.

Outcomes study: Clients from old AFDC program (June 1996 to June 1997) and from beginning of TEA implementation (July 1997) through latest possible period (June 1999). Administrative records for TEA, Medicaid, Food Stamps, and Unemployment Insurance.