AG 1994 10 03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e) d) used to reach and work with them. However, it quickly became apparent that this was a very different and challenging population. Job Training and Partnership Act (JTPA) income guidelines were very Iow which limited the men served to those who had not been employed in the recent past. In addition, many had no stable residence, and were living with family or friends, which could also potentially effect eligibility, as a parents' income could be considered. Many of these clients have had multiple problems and barriers to employment, including very low self-esteem, substance abuse problems, and no reliable means of transportation. Another problem encountered was that some had no incentive to participate due to the fact that they were working on a cash basis. This was to avoid evidence of employment, thus avoiding child support. The social work staff has worked with many of these men to get through some of these problems. They have counseled them, advocated for them, and supported them to help them work through many of their conceptions about their responsibilities as fathers. They have assisted them in purchasing proper clothing using project funds as well as arranging for grooming through local beauty colleges and barber shops. The local Employment Security Commission has been involved by contracting with the agency to supply an Employment Counselor that determines JTPA eligibility as well as to develop On-the-Job Training (OJT) contracts. The District Court system plays a very strong role in the program, as many of the absent fathers are court ordered to cooperate with the program. Refusal to participate can mean that they can be found in contempt of court. The Costs: There were no developmental costs incurred in the planning and start up phase of Jobs for Dads. The JOBS social work staff were very knowledgeable about employment and training activities and were able to modify the JOBS concept to tailor it to absent fathers. In addition to social work and employment counseling time being devoted to the program, there were training costs from OJT employers. Other costs included participation and work related expenses such as uniforms, tools, and driver's licenses. Finally, there was added support in the form of transportation. These men were either reimbursed or had transportation arranged for them to defer their expenses while they were training. The program has been cost effective, as the expense for services to these men from assessment to training to employment has averaged only $456 per absent father. This is a small investment to pay in return for making them taxpayers as well as having them assist in the support of their children. This program was initially funded for 1992-93 in the amount of $42,356, and in 1993-94 for $63,010. The funding source was the North Carolina Employment and Training Grant Program (NCETGP), which uses state funding for various job training programs, and adheres to JTPA eligibility guidelines. The Results: The results of this program have been outstanding in both its success with absent parents as well as publicity through awards and the media. Of the number of referrals received by the program, thirty (30) men have been found to be eligible and were processed, assessed and