CalWORKs 2.0 is the next generation vision to set families on a path to self-sufficiency by better integrating legislative initiatives into service delivery that is informed by evidence and focused on family goals. This effort is based on 20 years of what works best. It succeeds because it considers unique whole-family needs in making service delivery decisions. The vision of where we are going based on where we have been is outlined in the graphic above.
The Strategic Initiative has been a concentrated effort state-wide to support this shift to a whole-family tailored service approach. Led by the County Welfare Directors Association of California, the Strategic Initiative team has worked to create tools and resources for administrators, front line staff and clients, to streamline and simplify policies and processes, and to maximize the effectiveness of new and existing CalWORKs approaches.
This vision was informed by new evidence on how to help families and feedback to the CalWORKs Needs Assessment. The Promising Practices page highlights many of the new evidence based work on the impact of poverty on adults’ success.
We hope to inform, inspire, and support counties in their work to strike a balance between addressing families’ diverse needs and meeting federal work participation requirements.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the Strategic Initiative planning teams, road test sites, and providing feedback.