Front Page
If they haven't done so already, collaboratives should reach out to appropriate state and/or county officials involved in welfare reform. It is critical for collaboratives to learn as much as they can about the decisions that have been made so far, and to add their input to the important implementation choices yet to be made in new welfare policies. Figure 2 highlights the kinds of questions collaboratives should ask state or county officials to learn how welfare reform is unfolding.
As states and counties proceed with their welfare reform plans, collaboratives should look at how they can help generate the employment opportunities and support systems that are critical to success. Collaboratives must make a conscious effort to focus on strategies that increase families' chances for leaving the welfare rolls, succeeding in the labor market, and taking good care of their children.
Collaboratives that have longstanding experience working on employment issues may be ready to help design effective strategies in partnership with the state. (The description of the Local Investment Commission in Kansas City, Mo., is a good example.) Collaboratives that are newer to this field will need time to build their expertise and experience in the employment arena, but they can still play an important role in welfare design, implementation, and oversight by
- taking stock of the collaborative's priorities in the context of welfare reform
- providing information to state policymakers about the community's strengths and needs
- studying and sharing information on "what works"
- informing and engaging the community
- mobilizing the business community
- negotiating with state and/or county policymakers to establish a formal role in welfare reform for the collaborative
- monitoring the results of welfare reform activities.
