A workgroup tasked with studying Ohioans’ reliance on public assistance programs has been compiling research and recommendations on the issue. The panel’s final report is expected to be released this Wednesday, though The Associated Press obtained a draft copy through a public records request.
Here’s a look at some of the panel’s recommendations:
- Reducing reliance on public assistance and putting people on a path toward economic independence should be based on a person-centered, case management approach.
- Such an approach must involve a common way for county agencies to assess a person’s skills, abilities, mental health, work experience and goals.
- Young adults on public assistance should be the initial focus, and then success should be evaluated before expanding the approach to other populations.
- Developing and implementing a new case management program requires investments in accessible jobs, staff development and an IT system among other areas.
- Local economic development and workforce analyses should be conducted to determine employers’ needs and the skill sets of individuals receiving public assistance.
- County agencies should be held accountable to performance metrics that evaluate the performance of the agency, rather than the performance of the recipient.
- The state should explore opportunities to align definitions, requirements and performance expectations within public assistance programs.
- Addressing poverty requires a community conversation.
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Source: Draft report from the Workgroup to Reduce Reliance on Public Assistance.
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