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CalWORKs Best Practices
Background
The purpose of this site is to showcase and share effective practices, promising practices and lessons learned, and to give easy, one-stop access to programs available and practices being used throughout the state.
Best practices are strategies that have been proven successful in engaging participants or administering the CalWORKs program. Promising practices are strategies that have recently been implemented or developed, but do not yet have the data to be considered a best practice. Lessons learned are practices that were not successful, but would still provide useful information to other counties or providers and which may be successful under different circumstances.
As practices continue to be added, this site will expand into a comprehensive tool kit for counties and providers to utilize in order to engage CalWORKs recipients with a broad array of abilities and challenges.
Each county is unique and has its own diverse populations and challenges. Additionally, every participant has his or her own unique circumstances. The practices listed on this site illustrate what did or did not work for specific counties or providers and is supported by data provided by those counties and providers. The practices on this site demonstrate general ideas and are not necessarily recommendations or endorsements from the county, provider, or the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
Submittal Process
CDSS invites counties and providers to share their experiences in serving CalWORKs participants. To submit a best practice, promising practice, or a lesson learned, please read the instructions, and download the “Best Practices Submittal Form” posted below. Completed forms must be submitted by the lead of the organization submitting the practice, such as the Director or Deputy Director.
A review committee has been established to evaluate each practice submitted. The review committee consists of administrative entities involved and includes CDSS representatives, a County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA) representative, and a welfare rights advocate representative. Other members include representatives of other state agencies and counties. Not all members will be involved in all reviews. For example, if a one-stop center submits a practice, an Employment Development Department (EDD) representative would sit on the reviewing committee. Likewise, a practice involving community colleges would be reviewed by a California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) representative.
In order for the website to be a useful tool, certain characteristics about the county are essential, as well as a public contact for each best and promising practice. To encourage the sharing of lessons learned, published contacts are optional for that category. The Best Practices Submittal Form includes a list of CWDA regions and current county size categories.
CalWORKs Best Practices Website Submittal Form (Microsoft Word)
Please submit completed forms via email to WTWbestpractices@dss.ca.gov . Also, please note that any information submitted to CDSS may be subject to the California Public Records Act.
Latest Submissions
The newest best practices will be noted here.
Counties having any questions should contact WTWbestpractices@dss.ca.gov or call (916) 654-2137 to speak with a Best Practices Representative.