Motion by Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky

November 16, 1999

MOTION BY SUPERVISORS GLORIA MOLINA AND ZEV YAROSLAVSKY

At the end of this month, the first General Relief participants under the "6+3" time limits will be terminated. This Board agreed to time-limits for General Relief (GR) recipients conditional on the provision of a full-service employment program known as the General Relief Opportunities for Work (GROW) Program.

Although implemented in February 1999, not all of the GROW services were in place initially. Some participants who are pending termination did not benefit from the full range of program options throughout their nine months on aid. Furthermore, the job placement rate for this population is extremely low. As of September 30, of the 19,000 who attended orientation classes, only 2,500 (13%) secured jobs. Additionally, of those who attended orientation only 9.7% utilized any of the supportive services available to them and only 37 clients had completed an education/job training program. Given the participation rates in the various programs, a short reprieve from the time limits is necessary in order to make changes to the GROW program which will improve outcomes and to ensure that all recipients have had the opportunity to participate in the various programs available to them.

Implementing an extension on time limits during November, December and January would affect approximately 4000 individuals, most of whom did not receive their vocational assessment services and post-assessment services in a timely manner. Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) has estimated that the cost of the moratorium would be $1.5 million.

During this three-month period, it is imperative that DPSS together with Community & Senior Services (CSS), make the necessary changes to GROW which will improve the job placement rate, increase the number of GR recipients who attend orientation, complete job club, receive vocational assessments, obtain supportive services, and enroll in job/educational training programs. Additionally, information must be compiled which identifies the needs of this population and their barriers to employment.

WE, THEREFORE, MOVE that the time limits be extended for up to three months for those scheduled for termination during November through January. The General Relief participants scheduled for termination during November would be given three additional months, those in December two additional months, and those in January one additional month. This extension is only for those recipients who continue to comply with all requirements of the GROW program.

WE, FURTHER MOVE that DPSS in conjunction with CSS return to the Board in 30 days with a plan on how to improve the job placement rate of GR recipients, increase the number who attend orientation, complete job club, receive vocational assessments, obtain supportive services and enroll in job/educational training programs.

WE, FURTHER MOVE that during the orientation and/or eligibility process, DPSS obtain key information from GR recipients in order to create a data base which will more clearly identify the barriers to employment and what their social service needs are.