HIGHLAND PARK - Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Marianne Udow and Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Director Robert W. Swanson today showcased one of four statewide welfare reform pilot plans in Wayne County. These pilots will enable more families to achieve self-sufficiency and meet new federal work participation requirements.

"A key part of our economic plan is ensuring that every person in Michigan has the skills they need to get a good job," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "This program provides that opportunity for thousands of people currently dependent on welfare while saving the state money."

The welfare reform pilot, called Jobs, Education and Training (JET), was developed jointly by the Michigan Department of Human Services and the Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) to help welfare recipients become self-sufficient and permanently attached to the labor force.

"The Jobs, Education and Training approach fundamentally changes the way we move families off welfare and toward self-sufficiency," Udow said. "Instead of telling those on welfare to 'get a job, any job,' the program supports them in developing job skills and moving permanently off of the welfare rolls." Beginning in September 2004, DHS director Marianne Udow and then-DLEG director David Hollister led a broad-based welfare reform work group that developed a new approach to creating permanent work force status for DHS clients. The JET approach grew out of this work group and the pilot programs were included in the fiscal year 2006 DHS budget. The JET pilot sites are located in Kent, Oakland, Sanilac, and Wayne counties.

"JET brings together a statewide partnership between DLEG, DHS, Michigan Works! agencies and local workforce development boards that will connect individuals to the education and training resources they need to get, keep and advance in the skilled jobs that employers have now," Robert W. Swanson, director of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, said.

The JET pilots:

• Use a thorough up-front assessment and "Family Self-Sufficiency Plan" to tailor supports and services to the individual circumstances of recipient and family.
• Expand educational and training opportunities so clients gain the skills they need to get a good paying job.
• Focus career and technical training opportunities on jobs the Michigan economy has available (e.g., health care, construction).
• Provide supportive services when clients face serious barriers to work, with the goal of reducing/removing those barriers so clients can participate in work or work preparation.
• Provide advocacy and support for those who are making application for Supplemental Security Income.
• Extend post-employment support from 90 days to 180 days to help clients retain jobs and prepare a plan for advancement.

"The DHS welfare reform plan will meet federal work participation requirements within the federal time frame, protect the safety net, and help people become permanently attached to the labor force so they can move their families out of poverty," said Udow. "We want to get more people working permanently in Michigan - self-sufficiency is better for families, and what is better for families is better for children."