Building Better Programs

Improving Fiscal Accountability and Effectiveness of Services in the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program

In 2004, Kentucky conducted a review of Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) or TANF program. Among other things, the study assessed the results of the different training and work-related programs offered through K-TAP. The review found clients who participated in activities related to job search and preparation, improving job skills, and vocational training earned higher wages the more they participated. Providing education for those without a high school diploma and counseling and treatment to enable clients to work produced mixed results. Community service appeared to be the least effective activity for helping clients get jobs and higher wages. One recommendation in the report said the agency should establish procedures to evaluate the success of each Kentucky Works Program component, focusing on the benefit to clients after they leave K-TAP. As an intermediate step, the agency should study the screening process for clients and the quality of placements for activities this report found to produce poor or mixed benefits for clients. The should implement changes to improve results.

Improving Fiscal Accountability and Effectiveness of Services in the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program