The Role of Intermediaries in Linking TANF Recipients With Jobs

Abstract

Examines welfare offices' use of "intermediaries"--private or public organizations that act as brokers between the welfare system and employers--noting that a broad range of organizations act as intermediaries, including nonprofit and for-profit organizations, public sector agencies, and educational institutions. Intermediaries operate in a complex policy and administrative environment, so clear roles, responsibilities, and procedures are critical to the new work-oriented system's success. Key issues facing intermediaries are an unpredictable flow of client referrals, high rates of nonparticipation, and mismatches between client needs and mandated services. Also available in HTML format at http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/intermediaries00/index.htm