HHS News Release

HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today approved a welfare demonstration project for Hawaii that requires eligible recipients to work in part-time jobs while awaiting education or training opportunities.

"The Hawaii demonstration seeks to promote self-sufficiency by providing opportunities for recipients to work -- when they would otherwise be on a waiting list for services," said Secretary Shalala. "This is an innovative approach and I look forward to reviewing the results."

Under the "Creating Work Opportunities for JOBS Families" (CWOJF) program, job-ready JOBS recipients who would otherwise expect to wait at least three months to be placed in a regular education or training activity are required to pursue job leads developed by JOBS program specialists. The positions are part-time (up to 18 hours per week), private sector jobs at minimum wage, and will allow participants to gain work experience, develop their skills and better identify training needs.

"The Hawaii demonstration is a good example of state initiative and flexibility in promoting self-sufficiency," said Mary Jo Bane, HHS' assistant secretary for children and families.

The Hawaii demonstration will operate for five years, and will include a rigorous evaluation using random assignment to control and experimental groups.

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Contact: David Siegel (202) 401-9215