The Colorado Works evaluation is a five-year project to analyze the welfare reform program in Colorado. The objective of the evaluation is to assess the outcomes of program participants and the effectiveness of various program components. The evaluation is examining the extent to which Colorado Works participants are obtaining employment and achieving self-sufficiency; the impact of Colorado Works on the well-being of children and families of participants; the effectiveness of program services in preparing participants for employment; the availability of adequate child care for program participants; the impact of Colorado Works on other state and local assistance programs; and the economic costs and benefits of the program. Because the state has devolved significant responsibility for program design to each county, the evaluation is assessing whether the welfare reforms undertaken by the state overall, as well as individual counties, are having their intended effects.

The findings of the evaluation will be based on three principal data collection activities. First, monthly data from 12 state administrative program databases are being merged to allow the evaluators to measure a range of outcomes of participants during and after their participation in Colorado Works. In addition, telephone surveys are being conducted of samples of current program participants and participants whose cases closed during the initial implementation of Colorado Works. Finally, evaluators are conducting in-depth interviews and focus groups with a variety of stakeholders, including county staff, program participants, service providers, employers and advocacy groups during six rounds of on-site visits to 15 Colorado counties. Counties were selected for site visits to insure a representative sample in terms of population, geographic location, and economic conditions.

Publications:

Evaluation of the Colorado Works Program: Fifth Annual Report (Nov, 2003) (PDF:1034KB)
Final evaluation report of the Colorado Works program. Part 1 provides information regarding the Colorado Works program, including expenditures, caseload trends, and the employment and earnings characteristics of recipients, as well as the characteristics of returnees to Colorado Works. Part 2 focuses on four major barriers to self-sufficiency for participants in the Colorado Works Program: mental health problems, substance abuse, insufficient usage of the Earned Income Tax Credit, and lack of transportation. Also addresses issues related to the cost-effectiveness of providing mental health and substance abuse services to Colorado Works participants. The report presents our findings, recommendations, and the responses of the Department of Human Services.

Evaluation of the Colorado Works Program: Fourth Annual Report, Part 2 - Child Care Assistance to Colorado Works and Other Low Income Families (Nov, 2002) (PDF:834KB)
Second of two reports completed during the fourth year of BPA's ongoing evaluation of the Colorado Works program. Focuses on child care assistance to families participating in the Colorado Works program and other low-income families. Addresses a number of issues concerning Colorado Child Care Assistance Program funding and service delivery, and presents our findings and recommendations.

Evaluation of the Colorado Works Program: Fourth Annual Report, Part 1 - TANF and Colorado Works Expenditures, Caseload Trends, and TANF-Funded Child Welfare Activities (Nov, 2002) (PDF:1136KB)
Examines the relationship between the Colorado Works Program and the Child Welfare Program, including overlap in the caseload of the two programs and collaboration in the delivery of services to families involved in both programs. Also provides basic information regarding the Colorado Works program, including expenditures, caseload trends, and the employment and earnings characteristics of recipients. The report presents our findings, recommendations and the responses of the Department of Human Services.

Evaluation of the Colorado Works Program: Third Annual Report, Part 1 - Diversion Programs and Work Activity Participation (Aug, 2001)
Presents our assessment of two important components of the Colorado Works program: diversion and work activity participation. Findings and recommendations are presented on post-employment services for diversion recipients, Medicaid eligibility for State Diversion applicants, assessment and work activity placement for Colorado Works recipients with low educational achievement, and placement of recipients in occupational skills training programs. http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/oss/CWP/BPA Third Annual Report, Part I.pdf

Evaluation of the Colorado Works Program: Second Annual Report (Nov, 2000)
The report presents our assessment of program operations and expenditures, caseload trends, and recipient outcomes during the first three years of Colorado Works. Findings and recommendations are presented on the state and federal earned income tax credits, job preparation activities, provision of services for mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence, the development of additional performance measures for the program. http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/oss/CWP/BPA Second Annual Report.pdf

Evaluation of the Colorado Works Program: First Annual Report (Nov, 1999)
Presents a baseline description of program operations and initial findings on recipient outcomes during the first two years of Colorado Works. Findings and recommendations are presented on Colorado Works recipients' employment and earnings, child care arrangements, and family well-being. In addition, descriptive information is presented regarding overall Colorado Works caseload trends and program. http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/oss/CWP/BPA First Annual Report.pdf

Evaluation of the Colorado Works Program: Interim Report on Caseload Characteristics, Program Eligibility, and County Policies (Mar, 1999)
Provides a discussion of state and county authority over the various components of Colorado Works and some initial findings on the employment and earnings outcomes of Colorado Works recipients who have exited the program. http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/oss/CWP/BPA Evaluation Interim Report.pdf