Self Sufficiency in Butler County Study

BARRIERS TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY AMONG FORMER CLIENTSOF THE BULTER COUNTY DEPARTMENTOF JOB AND FAMILY SERVICES (July 2002)

In winter 2001, 40 individuals formerly receiving services from the Butler County Department of Job and Family Services were interviewed. In summer 2001, 26 of these individuals were re-interviewed, and in winter 2002, 25 individuals were re-interviewed. The purpose of the interviews was to determine the factors that allowed some former clients to become self-sufficient, and the role of the BCDJFS in fostering economic self-sufficiency.

The sample was predominantly female (95%) and white (70%), with an average age of 35 years. Most of the sample was born in Butler County (60%) or Ohio (80%). All but one of the respondents had working class parents. More than half of the sample dropped out of high school, usually because of an unintended pregnancy. Approximately two-thirds of the respondents reported a chronic medical condition ranging from asthma to high blood pressure. One-half of respondents reported having an alcohol or drug-addicted boyfriend or family member. Approximately 40% of respondents mentioned having a problem with mental illness.

Less than one-half of the sample worked during the interview period; the average wage of employees was $7.76 an hour. The receipt of public assistance was often a result of a pregnancy or the break-up of a relationship.

The lack of transportation, quality childcare, and jobs at good wages were the main reasons given for problems with finding steady employment. Mothers who received child support were typically able to avoid the need for welfare assistance.

Respondents complained that caseworkers treated them unfairly and did not provide them with enough time to gather documents. They also complained that workers acted in a condescending manner and often lost their paperwork. Irrespective of the type of benefits received, honesty and respect were the primary determinants of successful client-worker relationships.

In winter 2001, 40 individuals formerly receiving services from the Butler County Department of Job and Family Services were interviewed. In summer 2001, 26 of these individuals were re-interviewed, and in winter 2002, 25 individuals were re-interviewed. The purpose of the interviews was to determine the factors that allowed some former clients to become self-sufficient, and the role of the BCDJFS in fostering economic self-sufficiency.

The sample was predominantly female (95%) and white (70%), with an average age of 35 years. Most of the sample was born in Butler County (60%) or Ohio (80%). All but one of the respondents had working class parents. More than half of the sample dropped out of high school, usually because of an unintended pregnancy. Approximately two-thirds of the respondents reported a chronic medical condition ranging from asthma to high blood pressure. One-half of respondents reported having an alcohol or drug-addicted boyfriend or family member. Approximately 40% of respondents mentioned having a problem with mental illness.

Less than one-half of the sample worked during the interview period; the average wage of employees was $7.76 an hour. The receipt of public assistance was often a result of a pregnancy or the break-up of a relationship.

The lack of transportation, quality childcare, and jobs at good wages were the main reasons given for problems with finding steady employment. Mothers who received child support were typically able to avoid the need for welfare assistance.

Respondents complained that caseworkers treated them unfairly and did not provide them with enough time to gather documents. They also complained that workers acted in a condescending manner and often lost their paperwork. Irrespective of the type of benefits received, honesty and respect were the primary determinants of successful client-worker relationships.